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If I Knew Then

If I knew then what I know now You've often heard that said A truer axiom has never been uttered It's so easy for youth to be led If I knew then what I know now Might have changed a thing or two They say youth is wasted on the young I certainly believe that's true If I knew then what I know now Could've saved those days being wasted With childish games and petty ambitions Before real life had been tasted If I knew then what I know now Should've listened to those smarter minds That warned that when we finally matured We'd regret being foolish and blind If I knew then what I know now I look back with a few regrets That I wasted a valuable part of my life My teen years I'd like to forget But in spite of it all, I made it through I try to show today's youth how Not to repeat the mistakes I made If I knew then what I know now © Jack Ellison 2012

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Laura Breidenthal

Date: 12/13/2022 12:47:00 PM

I feel life is all about learning. It’s just part of the path we are on. Mistakes will be made, but we keep moving forward. Beautiful poem! Always, Laura

Jack Ellison
Date: 12/13/2022 1:21:00 PM

Love your new avatar my sweet! Awww! Love from way up north! XOX

Carol Eastman

Date: 1/10/2013 11:13:00 AM

Love your work Jack... But what we did then, helped to make us who we are now.

Jack Ellison
Date: 1/10/2013 1:21:00 PM

Oh so true... well said my friend!

Demetrios Trifiatis

Date: 1/9/2013 4:39:00 AM

Youth, as I have written in PS, is like money, when we have got it we spent it thoughtlesly. Another poem of wisdom of yours! May the young listen!Thank you! I look forward reading next one!

Jack Ellison
Date: 1/9/2013 6:31:00 AM

You are very kind with your reviews my friend! Thanks a bunch!

Ilene Bauer

Date: 1/8/2013 3:48:00 PM

well said! unfortunately, we can never know what only experience can teach us...

Jack Ellison
Date: 1/8/2013 4:17:00 PM

Very true my dear Ilene... we must live and learn! Hugs, Jack xox

Jon A Cavanaugh

Date: 1/8/2013 10:31:00 AM

Yes, If I knew then what I know now I could have skipped the school of hard knocks. But, It is a rite of passage gauntlet that I fear we must all pass through. Enjoyed your poem.

Jack Ellison
Date: 1/8/2013 4:16:00 PM

Unfortunately you are quite correct my friend! Thanks, Jack

Mandy Tams The Golden Girl

Date: 1/8/2013 10:25:00 AM

what a wise man we are Jackers, hope the new year is treating you well my friend xx

Jack Ellison
Date: 1/8/2013 10:28:00 AM

May I quote you? LOL Going to be a great year her... how is 2013 starting out for you? Hugs, Jack xox

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 1/8/2013 8:41:00 AM

It seems we have an introspective morning, well said Jack.

Jack Ellison
Date: 1/8/2013 9:51:00 AM

Seems so! Deep thinkers I guess... LOL

Constance La France

Date: 1/8/2013 7:27:00 AM

Jack, this poem is just wonderful and full of wisdom, as a teen I thought I knew everything, gosh, I was so wrong, I too wish I could go back, I would love to be that child again safe from the reality of life. Well done and good luck. Constance

Jack Ellison
Date: 1/8/2013 7:34:00 AM

"safe from the reality of life"... well said, Dear Heart! Live and learn eh! Thank you my friend... hugs, Jack

Toquyen Harrell

Date: 1/8/2013 7:14:00 AM

Yeah, Jack. But people like to learn things dot themselves. I guess no amount of talking can convince one until that person learns it for himself :). I guess it's more fun that way. And also the experience make learning stick longer. Hooray! Have a great day!

Jack Ellison
Date: 1/8/2013 7:23:00 AM

I think you're right. No matter what advice I gave my five kids, they eventually went down their own path! Better that way anyway! Hugs, Jack xox