When you descend to hell,
be sure to take courage with you.
Some awareness as well,
a little cunning, too.

You'll meet me there,
the person I am, and you're not.
The person you wanted but chose not to.
The person you could have been,
                                       but aren't.

Take my hand, dear, I'll show you:
The woman I loved and you didn't,
that daughter I had and you feared,
the son I cherished and you missed.

Follow my lead, dear, I'll take you:
to cities you dreamed of but skipped,
all the wines that you wanted, I sipped,
all the places you forfeited, I didn't.

Come and see me in Hell,
all that you wanted I am,
all that I am you are not.
Let life cast her horrible spell,
Let the taste of that "could have"
                                    invade you,
For all that you wanted I am.
And all that I am you are not.