Hindsights Question

Letter to the reader:

This poem explores the difference between knowledge and wisdom—how knowing the future might change decisions, but true wisdom shapes how we see and move through life. It questions whether hindsight grants clarity or simply shields us from inconvenience.

Oh how I would be unrecognizable,

If I knew what I knew then would I be so brave? 

Would I have acted so free?

Would I have had the courage of ignorance?

The stamina of bewilderment?

The heartbreak, 

The memories, 

The travel,

The sunsets in countries, unpronounceable.

Never again would I change the past,

for it has me captivated in who I am today.

What of the reputation, 

empty bank accounts,

Or stories unable to be told?

What of the aged skin 

and life plans met with incompletes?

If I could do it again,

where would I re-begin?

Would I take it back to my first breath?

Would I move it into a world where oysters were fresh, 

and my pallet ready to consume them?

How about the all captivating,

 all consuming 

highschoolers favorite phrase

 ‘What test?’ 

The day before and choose to study

instead of spending time with friends

and family around the dinner table?

Or would I move it simply into last week

Where I know now about the crash on the southern motorway?

Is the knowledge I know now better, 

or simply educated to then?

Is it simply that I know the occurrences,

and would avoid the inconveniences,

but not use wisdom in my actions?

Do I know that now?