If I Were – Hayley Kim

If I Were

If I were a dog,

I’d be carefree,

playing everywhere—

in the grass, on the sand,

through puddles after rain—

with no one to tell me

what to do.

I’d chase butterflies

and bark at passing clouds,

roll on the ground

and nap peacefully under shady trees,

feeling free and happy.

If I were a cat,

I’d lie in the sun,

warm and still,

watching the world go by

with slow blinks and lazy purrs.

I’d leap gracefully,

from rooftop to rooftop,

and curl up on windowsills,

enjoying everything I have

without needing more.

I’d savour each peaceful moment.

If I were brave,

I’d speak up loud and clear,

stand tall even when I shake,

reach beyond the limit,

beyond the line—

face fears

and not let them win.

I’d try even if I failed,

and I’d keep trying,

never letting fear stop me.

I’d learn from each challenge.

If I were the best,

nothing could stop me.

I’d shine like a star

on the biggest stage.

Everyone would look up to me,

ask for advice,

cheer when I walk by.

I would be the best,

and I’d feel proud for myself.

I’d reach the top,

knowing I earned it all.

But

if I were all that—

a fearless hero,

a perfect champion,

a golden creature of dreams—

I wouldn’t be me.

Not the me who laughs at small things,

who tries hard and sometimes stumbles,

who wonders, thinks, imagines.

The happy,

content,

real me.

The imperfect me,

but that's who I am.

I am the perfect me.

Hayley Kim

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If I Were was a runner-up of Queensland Writers Centre’s 2025 Youth Writing Comp, for writers aged 10-16. For more information about Queensland Writers Centre’s Youth Writing programs, events and opportunities visit queenslandwriters.org.au/youthwriting.

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