I'd Pick More Daisies

If I had my life to live over,
    I'd try to make more mistakes next time.
I would relax.
I would limber up.
I would ber sillier than I have been on this trip.
I know of very few things I would take seriously.
I would be crazier.
I would be less hygienic.
I would take more chances.
I would take more trips.
I would climb more mountains,
    swim more rivers, and watch more sunsets.
I would burn more gasoline.
I would eat more ice cream and less beans.
I would have more actual troubles and fewer
    imaginary ones.
You see, I am one of those people who lives
    prophylactically and sensibly and sanely,
    hour after hour, day after day.
Oh, I've had my moments and,
    if I had it to do over, I'd have
    more of them.
In fact, I'd try to have nothing else.
Just moments, one after the other,
    instead of living so many years ahead
    each day.
I have been one of those people who never goes
    anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water
    bottle, a gargle, a raincoat, and a parachute.
If I had it to do over again, I would go places
    and do things and travel lighter than I have.

If I had my life to live over, I would start
    bare-footed 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.

Nadine Stair, 87
Louisville, Kentucky