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Dear Younger Me

Dear younger me,
There are some things that I would say
to help you out along the way:
mistakes I’ve made and deep regrets,
things I would change you’ve not seen yet.

Dear older me,
All that seems nice,
but let’s hold back on that advice.
It may be true,
but I’m not sure you’ve thought this through.

Dear younger me,
Are you for real? Surely you jest!
I’ve had more time, and I know best.
The cost was dear: real sweat and blood.
Why would you choose to traipse the mud?

Dear older me,
Wake up somehow!
I’m worried ‘bout my future now.
I’ve played this game to some degree;
did not see you in future me.

Dear younger me,
But I could share: go buy this stock,
lay off the booze, don’t go in hock.
Just stop and think of where you’d be;
The best part is, the lesson’s free.

Dear older me,
Great multiverse!
The situation’s getting worse!
Just hold your tongue and say no more
or I am headed out the door.
My future is not yours to share;
the way is fraught with danger there.

Dear younger me,
Now I’m confused; help an old man.
Explain this out; that’s if you can.

Dear older me,
I’ll do my best, but just so far,
for I’ll not go past where you are,
for much of what I know as true
might change if I change future you.
You hope to spare my heart the ache
and help me choose the path to take.
The problem is, when I arrive,
what you call you won’t be alive.
Decisions made all shape and mold
the man we are when we grow old.
Just think, if we had stayed in school
and not become a drunken fool,
would we have ever reached wit’s end
and learned the broken also mend?
Would we have met our lovely wife,
and settled in your present life?

Dear younger me,
Gouge out my eyes!
I’m blind and dumb and you are wise.
I had my doubt, but I can say
Let go, let God, we’ll be okay.

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Gershon Wolf

Date: 9/15/2022 7:44:00 PM

Absolutely love this. So true. So resonant. Such a FAVE, FAVE, FAVE! Thanks, Jeff.

Michael Tor

Date: 9/15/2022 5:52:00 PM

Jeff this was a pleasure to read. Extremely creative in theme and the interaction between the two being one was Special to read. Very impressive story line that all who read can look back on their lives and reference a part of this Narrative Rhyme and see the mistakes in their own life if they would have only taken advice or avoided the mistakes we regret in life. A great effort in writing, and much appreciated by this reader, and all who see this Poetry of yours. It has comical, and a serious

Jeff Kyser
Date: 9/15/2022 8:17:00 PM