Wishful Vision Poem by Jim Boone

My hand-me-downs to life's rookies

Been there, done that, and that, and
If I had it to do over again, I would
Cry more and blame less

Then, I would take charge of my life
As soon as the parents grip eased
Or as soon as one or both turned away.

I would take full responsibility for
All my actions instead of trying
To make others appear at fault

I would relax more and be turned
On some of the time, not all of
The time; I would share my awareness
Instead of just writing about it

I would take nothing too seriously
And take more chances by hanging
Around longer to see what would happen
Instead of cutting out because of what might
Or might not happen - know why instead of
Wondering what if. Focus on the right now.

I would avoid ‘nervous breakdowns' by moving
At a slower pace and affording myself more
Quiet times each day. I would definitely
Have fewer troubles, because I would
Not give prime-time to the imaginary ones.

2011