Farewell
Anonymous, attributed to Jorge Luis Borges
If I could live my life anew,
in the next I'd attempt more mistakes.
I wouldn't try to be so perfect,
I would relax more.
I'd be more foolish than I've been,
In fact I'd take very few things too seriously.
I'd be less sanitary.
I'd take more chances.
I'd take more trips,
I'd contemplate more sunsets.
I'd climb more mountains, swim more rivers.
I'd go to more places,
and to the ones I've never been.
I'd eat more ice cream and fewere beans.
I'd have more real problems
and fewer imaginary ones.
I was one of those
who lived every minute of his livfe
sensibly and productively,
surely I had happy moments.
But if I could start anew
I would try to have nly good moments.
And if you don't know it
That's what life is made of,
just moments,
don't miss out on the now.
I was one of thos who
never went anywhere
without a thermometer,
a hot water bottle,
an umbrell and a parachute.
If I could live my life again,
I'd go naked until the end of autumn,
I'd ride more often in the little carriages,
I'd contemplate more daybreaks
and play more often with chldren.
If my life were again ahead of me...
But as you see, I am 85
and I know I am dying...
Lee, Claudia M., editor. 2002. Messengers of Rain and other poems from Latin America. Toronto:
Groundwood Books. ISBN 0888994702.
_______________________________
Extension
The speaker in this poem is 85 years old, and while he may have lived a full life, he
wishes he had done things differently. Have the kids make a simple list of things they enjoy and/or want to do in life.
Encourage them to use some thought in composing their lists and resist the tempation to write "Make 100 million dollars" or
"Own 6 porches." You could add the previous comment as a humorous afterthought, being careful to give them the freedom
to make their own lists. Share things on each list, including your own.
