“If I Could,” Friend, Jan. 1982, inside front cover
If I Could
If I could play a banjo,
I’d plunk its plinky strings.
The twangy notes would swoop and dive
Like whizzing swallow’s wings.
If I could play a trumpet,
I’d toot loud whoopy tunes.
The tattoo notes would pop and hiss
Like pin-stuck fat balloons.
If I could play a bass drum,
I’d thump out growly bongs.
The booming notes would howl and roar
Like rumbling jungle songs.
If I could play a piano,
I’d tap the tinkly keys.
The romping notes would hop and dance
Like happy circus fleas.
Illustrated by Shauna Mooney