Little one,
do not rush.
You have all the time in the world.
Stay outside in the warm summer nights
for as long as possible.
Beg your mom to let you stay up past your bedtime
and don't take for granted
those times she lets you sleep in her bed.
Go everywhere.
Dig up the dirt with your bare hands
and build a muddy castle;
a fortress infinitely tall
that no one could ever break down.
Roll down those bumpy hills until
you're sick and cannot walk straight.
Do not carry any burden
that is not your own.
Do not fill yourself up with worries
that are not your own.
For you should keep your hands busy
climbing trees instead.
Go to the highest branch
that will hold you
and do not let go.
Wait to wash your sap-ridden fingers
so as to keep the smell of
ignorance with you for a moment longer.
Save room for dessert,
for it is the best part.
Eat as many sweets as you'd like
because one day
they may not taste the same anymore.
Stay young,
but do not stay naive.
Be bold and brave and fierce
but do not rush.
My dear,
you have all the time in the world
but it goes so quickly.