By Maeve Clinger, TIWP Student

if i were to meet my past self 

i would warn her

i would remind her that this does not last

and at some point 

sleep will be a reward rather than a burden 

school will be dreaded, not loved

and love is pain, not glory

i would tell her to enjoy it while it lasts

enjoy drama you pretend to complain about

enjoy homework you think is ‘cool’ to complain about

and most of all

enjoy the sweet, unwavering innocence

of being a child.