This Time

The opportunity has arrived

For you

To re-do your life:

Choose from a list
Of assets you don't possess;
In your case, friendliness,
Or, might we say, sociability.

And now for a crocodilian skin,

An impervious skin that slings and arrows glance off
As innocuous as bubbles.
No outrageous fortune for you
This time around.

This time around
You'll keep a tight rein
On all your emotions, your actions
 Planned in advance
Your words leached and strained through a filter;
You'll marry a billionaire;
Your children will be raised
By no-nonsense British nannies;
And if they turn out wrong (the children that is)
Well, it's really not your fault.

This time around

You'll be able to resist

Temptations in the form of sugary foods,

Or mind-altering substances.

You will learn to swan dive, ski and sail,

Skate gracefully over ice, and shuffle cards;
Even converse with ease in the presence of strangers.
Your frequent dreams of flight,
Of leaping, arms outstretched from some high cliff or hilltop
Will no longer be wistful or wasteful.

This time around
Your life will really take off.