If I had one wish...

to see for one more day
with the eyes of the child
that i once was
where lies are simply mistakes
mistakes are simply lessons
lessons are simply words
and words mean exactly what
Merriam-Webster says they mean

to hear just once more
with innocent ears
not yet tainted with Four-Letter Words
(why did some not have four letters?)
or empty promises
or bad news
(even worse than "i am not
your friend")

to speak, to announce
with foolish confidence
and dauntless pride, for
i know something that someone else doesn't
and i can sound like my Parents
with big words
(like "Enthusiasm")
without the fear of being wrong
or of sounding dumb
or of offending a friend
of a friend

to love with an unbroken heart
whose limits have not been tested
and whose hopes are high
unbitten lips smiling
(because i used chapstick and
they're soft)
not having yet learned
that there's a "Too Far"
or a difference between
love and a waste of time