Joseph James wrote this poem about growing up in a perfect world compared to the one we live in, life and love! What is Love?

I WISH

I wish I could have grown up in the perfect family,

With a mother and father who love me so dearly,

With brothers and sisters who play instead of fight,

With each day a joyous adventure and peace through the night.

I wish I could have grown up in a world full of love,

One without wars, sin, grief, murder or strife,

Where it’s safe to walk the streets and live in homes without locks,

Where everyone is full of love and each one like a friend.

This would be perfect, and then it would never end,

But in my world, a dream is all this will ever be,

Each one does his best just trying to make it through,

Yet, this one has the potential to be the greater of the two.

It’s in these places, we find out if true love exists,

Without mercy and forgiveness, it’s only shallow at best.

How can we know its depths if it’s never tested and tried?

It only shines and glows when, by the storm, it’s purified.

I thought there were many who loved me or so they did say,

But when the storms came, they ran off and went away.

“Where are you? I thought you were my friend.”

But they were all gone when I had looked again.

“Where did you come from, I didn’t know you were there?

I thought I knew everyone, but what is your name?”

“I am the Lord, and I’ve always been near,

I’ve never left you, you are precious and dear.”

My tears fell like rain as I ran to embrace,

His love surrounded me and His peace and grace.

He is all I need, we’re together each day,

He healed all my wounds, in His presence I’ll stay.

Now, I have new friends and I know them by name,

I know their limits and failures and I love them the same.

Humans are fragile and weak at their best,

But Jesus is perfect and His love passes the test.

© 2011 Joseph James

Rolled art posters printed with archival-quality inks on your choice of fine art, semi-glossy, or matte paper. The design shows a red-rock mountain landscape with overlaid text, reproduced with bright, stable giclée color that resists fading. Choose orientation and size to suit wall space — the textured fine art paper gives a painterly, gallery feel; matte reduces glare for softer images; semi-gloss delivers crisp, vibrant detail. Each print is produced from reputable U.S. and Japan-based suppliers and packaged for safe shipping.

Product features

- Giclée printing for bright, fade-resistant color

- Three paper options: Fine Art (textured), Matte (low-glare), Semi-Glossy (satin finish)

- Archival-weight papers (180–290 g/m² depending on option)

- Available in multiple sizes

- Sourced from reputable USA and Japan print partners

Care instructions

- If the print does gather any dust, you may wipe it off gently with a clean, dry cloth.