I'd Pick More Daisies

By Nadine Stair, age 85

N.B. I read this poem as part of the teaching on our 8-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course.

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 be sillier than I have on this trip.

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 have had my moments

And if I had it to do 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 have been one of those people who never go anywhere

without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a gargle,

a raincoat, and a parachute.

If I had to do it over again, I would go places and do things.

I'd 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 hooky more. I wouldn't make such good grades

except by accident.

I would ride on merry-go-rounds.

I'd pick more daisies!