Dear Younger Self:

If I had known then, what I know now,

I would have laughed more as I traveled life's way and planted more flowers on rainy days.

I would have learned how to dance, and even to run, so I could have kept my face to the sun.

I'd have held all family close, and pulled from the shelf all half-finished stories of life's other self.

I would have paid less mind to worrisome foes, and said "poof" to my troublesome woes.

I would have petted more puppies and cuddled more cats, and every year worn a new Easter hat.

I would have held in my heart's beat, family so dear, and kept all the Wickies from getting so near.

For my precious husband, who makes our life sweet, I would have ordered love and laughter each day as a treat.

I would never have missed a moment of my child's loving ways and saved all his laughter for far away days.

I would have never lost sight of sending family my heart, and cast fair-weather friends into a cart.

I'd have listened to bells, as they tolled out the hour, and pulled down folks from their ivory tower.

All this Younger Self, you must quickly attack, for sadly I tell you, there is no going back.

Sincerely,