the genie

while throwing out the trash
i found an antique lamp.
it was small, with a handle
and a long, thin spout.
it was much to my surprise,
when a genie popped out.

"make three wishes," said he,
so I did, and said thusly:
"first, i want to know -
the things i'll regret when i'm old,
so i can do them now
and die a happy man.

"second, i want to know -
once again as an old man,
who i regret not saying
'i love you' to,
so i can rush up to them today
and hug them as a friend.

"and your third?" asked he.
i didn't know, so i asked to save it.
"nay, you must use it now," said he.
so I did, and wished thusly:
"i wish for a thick pair of socks," said i,
"for i have no one in the winter to keep me warm."[1]

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1 This doesn't just mean physically.