Maybe

by Larry Allen

First published in April/May, 2008, Volume 5, Issue 2, The Hatchet: Journal of Lizzie Borden Studies.

Maybe if it had been August 12th

instead of August 4th.

Maybe if father had not come home

or Abby had really gone out.

Maybe if Uncle Morse had not dropped in

or Emma had not left.

Maybe if she hadn’t had a hatchet.

Maybe if the windows had not needed cleaning 

or Maggie had not felt ill.

Maybe if they had been more generous

or the menu had been more varied.

Maybe if it had not been so hot

or it wasn’t on a Thursday.

Maybe if she had more chocolate.

Then these little things wouldn’t happen.