what would I change?.... — Summary

Katie FosterContemplative

I often think about what in my life I would change If I were borne again I wouldn’t change who my parents are But maybe their circumstances: They would work well paid jobs With flexible hours So they didn’t have to stress about money And would have the time do more enjoyable things

I wouldn’t change the number of siblings I have If I were born again But I would change our dynamic Our brother would want to spend time with us We'd get on better and do more with eachother So no one would feel left out We'd comfort or help eachother If one of us was sad two would comfort And one would confront the problem (or vise versa)

I wouldn’t change my autism If I were borne again But I would change when I knew about it And how people saw me So I wouldn’t feel so out-of-place So my mum wouldn’t blame herself Fore the fears I have Or have to defend or stand up for me Or fight and argue on my behalf (as much)

I wouldn’t change the people I’ve met But maybe the order in which I met them And how long they stayed So no matter what I would have at least one friend Who was there for me and who I could be there for I would never have to sit alone in silence

These changes are small and subtle But they would make me (and those around me) Happier And in truth that's all I want If I were borne again I would be borne Happier No different to the girl you seen now Except for the size of her smile And the smiles of those closest to her

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The speaker imagines being born again and asks what she would change. Each stanza starts by naming something she would keep: her parents, her siblings, her autism, the people she has met. Then she adjusts the details around it. She wants her parents to have less money stress and more free time, her family to be closer, and her friends to arrive at better moments and stay longer.

The autism stanza is the most personal. She doesn't want to be different, but she wishes she had understood herself sooner and been seen more kindly, so she wouldn't feel out of place and her mum wouldn't have to fight for her so often. The mood is gentle, honest and a little lonely, especially in the line about never having to sit alone in silence. It ends warmly, though. She calls the changes small, and what she really wants is happiness, for herself and the people closest to her, shown in a bigger smile.

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