Wednesday, October 6, 2010

if I had my life to live over...


I'd dare to make more mistakes next time.
I'd relax.
I would limber up.
I would be sillier than I have been this trip.
I would take fewer things seriously.
I would take more chances.
I would take more trips.
I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers.
I would eat more ice cream and less beans.
I would perhaps have more actual troubles, but fewer imaginary ones.
You see, I'm one of those people who live sensibly and sanely
hour after hour, day after day.
Oh, I've had my moments.
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 of each day.
I've been one of those persons
who never goes anywhere without a thermometer,
a hot water bottle, a raincoat, and a parachute.
If I could do it again, I would travel lighter than I have.
If I had my life to live over,
I would start barefoot earlier in the spring
and stay that way later in the fall.
I would go to more dances.
I would ride more merry-go-rounds.
I would pick more daisies.
-Nadine Stair

This is my favorite poem. ever. I received it back in the ninth grade from my Language Arts teacher. If you can picture in your mind a hippie, you'd be right on. I remember her long flowing skirts, pulled back waist length blonde hair, Birkenstock sandals for every season and her passion for her subject. I just wish I remembered her name. She wanted her students to experience books, not just read them. She wanted us to experience and write poetry, not just read it. I sometimes wonder if anyone else in my class kept that poem.

When I found this poem printed with beautifully illustrated daisies (an appropriate flower to remember her by), I discarded her typed black and white copy. My colorful poem now hangs in my creative space. A place I haven't had time or energy to visit in two weeks. Today I had to use my Cricut machine for a school project. One glance at this poem, and I thought of her.

I'd say: "I'm sorry for not having my quilt top completed and ready to share with you." or "I'm sorry I've been away from this space and many of yours for so long." but I can only say: "I can't live my life over." Life doesn't offer re-dos. I must continue on. I must prioritize my tasks in order to live moment to moment without regrets. My life (like many of yours) is really full right now. Next week I may be on more even ground, but right now I'm a little unbalanced.

13 comments:

NessaKnits said...

That's a poem to love. I got a similiar one (as did my whole class) on the completion of Year 12 from our English teacher.

The WoodLand School said...

Lovely, lovely poem!

I agree with you ... life is way too short to spend it full of regret! Hang in there during this "full time" of your life.

Meg said...

What a wonderful poem--such great words to live by! Hang in there, Kristyn. Your busy season will pass soon enough. Balance is a moment in time, not a permanent state!

At Home Mommy Knits said...

Well said! Thanks for sharing.

mark said...

what a great post! the poem is awesome, but your comments are priceless. and what a perfect way to honor your teacher, and the impact the poem has had on you. we should all be inspired to be the kind of spirit that influences another life in such an enduring way. and i am talking about you as much as i am referring to your teacher.

love you.
me

stitching under oaks said...

that is a great poem. I think my mom had that taped inside the door of our kitchen cabinet growing up. (who knows it might still be there) And you're right, no apologies are needed...keep on living and enjoying all the moments that fill up your days. I'll see you TOMORROW!(then we'll need time to slow down)

~ The Jolly Bee ~ said...

That is a beautiful poem. What a wonderful impression your teacher left on you.

Time has a way of getting away from us -- doesn't it? Take a deep breath. It will all come together.

From All Stitched Up said...

I love this poem. I had never seen it before so thanks for sharing it. I have definetly been trying to travel lighter over the last year.

From All Stitched Up said...

I love this poem. I had never seen it before so thanks for sharing it. I have definetly been trying to travel lighter over the last year.

Larissa said...

Beautiful poem! I'm reading your post late because my life is really full right now too. Thank goodness we have more moments to enjoy! Hope you and I both get to spend a bit more time in our creative spaces next week.

Gloria said...

What a beautiful poem, and memory to go along with it!

It's pretty busy here too, I know I am not the only one dealing with this issue. Thanks for the encouraging words for my day!

Have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo Gloria

a friend to knit with said...

oh, i love it... i wonder what your teacher is doing today... makes me sort of sad.
i went to our open house tonight and a mother seemed horrified that i left during the school year... with so much to do... i told her things get done and if they don't, so be it. (she seemed horrified at that remark, too!) :)
enjoy the busy time... but pause to remember IT... full is good. oh, so good.
big big hugs to you...

Jessica Lynn said...

I've read this post many times. I absolutely love it. I just can't believe I haven't ever told you how much! You capture so much emotion in your writing. I really appreciate how open your heart is! You're heart shines!

I completely relate to this poem! Especially this "I would perhaps have more actual troubles, but fewer imaginary ones.
You see, I'm one of those people who live sensibly and sanely
hour after hour, day after day."
I'm a worrier ;(

Love the wonderfully descriptive picture you paint of your teacher! She sounds like my kind of gal!