If I Had My Life To Live Over Again

If I had my life to live over again, I’d try
to make more mistakes next time.
I would relax, I would limber up, I would be sillier
than I have been this trip.
I know of very few things I would take seriously.
I would take more trips. I would be crazier.
I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers,
and watch more sunsets.
I would do more walking and looking.
I would eat more ice cream and less beans.
I would have more actual troubles, and fewer
imaginary ones.
You see, I’m one of those people who lives life
prophylactically and sensibly hour after hour,
day after day. Oh, I’ve had my moments, and if I
had to do it over again I’d have more of them.
In fact, I’d try to have nothing else, just moments,
one after another, instead of living so many years
ahead each day. I’ve been one of those people
who never go anywhere without a thermometer, a
hot-water bottle, a gargle, a raincoat, aspirin, and
a parachute.
If I had to do it over again I would go places, do
things, and travel lighter than I have.
If I had my life to live over I would start barefooted
earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall.
I would play hookey more.
I wouldn’t make such good grades, except by accident.
I would ride on more merry-go-rounds.
I’d pick more daisies.
~From an Anonymous Friar (in a monastery in Nebraska)