A Letter to My Younger Self
A LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF
H. W. Bryce
Write a letter to your younger self, they said.
I had never thought of that.
My younger self had moved on.
But here’s what I might have said:
Learn to be great, at what ever you to do –
But make it legal, and right, and good.
Be helpful, not hurtful, be open and true,
Live like you know that’s how your mother would.
Do nothing that would make you regret.
Do no murder and tell you no lies,
And never waste money on dumb losing bets,
But always shine like a summer’s blue skies.
Be persistent, hard working, consistent, be a good host,
Be open but guarded, shun shadow, choose sun,
And don’t ever think of giving up on the ghost,
And, above all, don’t you forget to have fun.
Darn! I shoulda listened better!
If I could only go back in time…
…maybe I should give him some how-tos
And keep off the railroad tracks…
And never go swimming alone…
And wear sunscreen and sunglasses…
Change your socks every day…
And always wear clean underwear…
Just in case…
Be kind to the beggars, take care of your elders…
Never a borrower be, avoid all the lenders…
Be careful in love and be ever tender –
And don’t even think of bending a fender…
And be good at what you do…
Oh, did I say?
Please, just, take care of yourself, son…
— —
Remembering the early days with Ann.
You can read more of my poetry at
https://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Butterfly-H-W-B…/…/1460299345
Such as “Courage” and “Kill ’em All”
PHOTO from Pixabay
