If I lived my life again … IP

If I lived my life again …
I wouldn’t think like this …, [1.]
or choose to do all that …, [2.]
I’d give some arguments a miss, [3.]
and maybe eat less sugar, fat; [4.]
Now, what’s that place I must not go? [5.]
I won’t indulge in gossip-chat, [6.]
and keep away from so-and-so, [7.]
ignore seductive lies, that pressurise, [8.]
I’ll be less selfish, and more kind, [9.]
and try to constantly be wise … . [10.]

– or, would I?
would I follow this advice?
or make another foolish choice?
and end up with my saying then …
if I lived my life again …

If I lived my life on earth again,
it really would be such a strain;
and knowing all the thorns and sorrows,
that touch a life-time of tomorrows,
I’m truly thankful I’ve got through.
I share regrets, as you do too,
the ‘ifs’, ‘what might have been’, or then, ‘might not’
– what convolutions fill my thought!
like being in a nightmare caught,
would be to try again, again
this earthly life.

I’ll wait a life sublime, –
promised, reserved (but not deserved),
earned by the Substitute divine;
with there: no uselessness, mistakes, regrets,
confusion, disillusion, or upsets,
no tired bones, or jaded sneer,
no boredom, or injustice near.