I wish I could have a do-over with this life
it is much too complicated to straighten out an already lived one

my first task: to be born by a loving mother
and a continuously living father

after that, a childhood of laughter and safety
no evil babysitters

the berry bushes would still be there
and we'd run around like a flock of starlings again
tippy taps of child size sneakers across the pavement
and the neighbors' poodle in tow

I'd have a brain made for school
or at least a school made for brain

and I'd only need half as much courage
and not as much desire for adventure

I'd keep reading books though I grow older
as it is quite admirable to be reading paperback books
as opposed to a screen like this one
which supposedly makes you dumber somehow

and I would not have to dream so much
or to long so hard
and ache in my heart

Grandma and Grandpa would be the same
except Grandpa wouldn't smoke
and Grandma would be less shy
Our summers in the country yet again
like Monet paintings
I'd marvel in the beauty of nature
without suffering from ten minutes of boredom

my school would have been filled to the brim with friends
instead of carnage and water damage

every fist would have a caress
or a helping hand in it

every loud noise from the mouth
a song or laughter

memories of heavy footsteps
rushing to assist and care for anyone in need

there is a long list until I get to my 40s
but if I can start there I think the rest will work itself out
somehow