Argument Between Two Disparate Selves

    Older self yelling at younger self for not being more careful with the body

   Younger self yelling right back that older self just forgot how much fun it was

to run like the wind, to jump for the joy of jumping, to throw balls and rocks and discs and things just for the joy of throwing

   Older self yelling at younger self for not being more attentive in school and for not pursuing a more economically valuable career

   Younger self yelling right back that older self forgets how dreadfully dull listening to a burnt-out English teacher lecture on the importance of cadence in poetry really is or how mind-numbing committing to memory the rules for mathematical formulas was or just how painful trying to grasp the significance of economic nationalism when nursing a hangover on an hour of sleep could be

   Older self yelling at younger self for wasting money, time and energy on pointless pursuits and worthless endeavors

   Younger self yelling right back that older self has sadly forgotten how exciting it was to drive twelve hours with a group of friends to attend a crowded, hot, outdoor music festival that featured entertainers creating sounds able to reaffirm enthusiasm for life or how spending an entire weekend on a beach doing nothing but drinking and checking out the half-naked bodies on parade could truly make one feel like life was grand and glorious

   Older self yelling at younger self for not looking towards the future and not preparing for the worst

   Younger self yelling right back at older self that the future was never guaranteed and living in the moment and sowing every wild oat, chasing meaningless dreams, taking wild chances and risking everything for momentary happiness was all in preparation for the worst

   Older self and younger self then stopped for a moment and stared out into the void

   Older self nodded and spoke softly, almost whispering, "You're right, that was what life was at the moment, and regret is a crass indulgence of the aged."

   Younger self nodded and replied just as softly, "You're right, life does move fast and I should have taken better care of my teeth and learned to put aside at least 10% of every paycheck in a Roth IRA."