Here is my advice
to the young,
who are (understandably)
blissfully unaware
of anything beyond
the present and the near future
in their own little world
which revolves around them.

Do whatever makes you happy
as long as you don't bring harm
to anyone else or yourself.
Question authority and everyone
who tries to tell you
how you should live.

Learn to think for yourself,
closely observing
the world around you
and the way it works,
then make up your own mind
about "how things should be."

Pay attention to your elders
who may have some wisdom to impart
from their own youthful experience.
Read and listen carefully
to what others tell you is "right".
Then ask yourself
"what is their motivation?
Where did their beliefs originate?
Would I want every person in the world
to follow that advice"?

Take in all the information
and knowledge of the world
which flows into your eyes and ears,
contrasting and comparing
differing viewpoints and belief systems.
Then throw into the mix of ideas
whatever your gut tells you
is good and true for the person
you hope to become.

Treasure the things
that you now take for granted.
For only as you grow older
will you understand
how precious are your gifts
as a human being.
You can run marathons, jump hurdles,
dance all night, stay up until dawn
cramming for exams
and barely miss a beat the next day.

If you are lucky enough to be healthy
Your body does what you expect of it,
without your even noticing
how well and easily it performs.
Appreciate that blessing.
One day that easy movement of your body
will have weakened and changed,
along with your smooth, peachy skin
and firm  muscles,
which your young self has no doubt will always
obey your unconscious commands
swiftly and strongly.

The elderly take delight
in your youthful exuberance,
you know,
smiling as you go about
your everyday pursuits,
as they watch you taking great gulps
out of life with joyful abandon!

There is no envy, only perhaps
a little bittersweet twinge now and then,
feeling young again themselves
for a little while, remembering how it was.
Forgetting for a few moments
the wrinkles in their faces
and the body that can't do certain things
without some degree of pain.
And then the jolt of reality--
How can that be ME in the mirror,
I still feel like twenty-something!

Remember the beauty of your mind
which can do such amazing things,
carrying you through memories
to other times and places
even when your body can't go there anymore.
Your imagination is a glorious thing,
so use it!

And last, but most important:
Love, love, love!
Love and appreciate your life
and those  dearest to your heart.
Be kind to those around you,
spreading your love
wherever you go.

That is all.


E. Auger
2014