Memo To My Other (Smarter?) Self (Poetry)

I know there’s things about me
that sometimes drive you mad
and it’s often hard to bite your tongue —
curb rows so-nearly had

Instead you’ve been quite tolerant
held back on what you thought
when I just went my own sweet way
approval rarely sought

I’ve made some asinine mistakes
my judgement worse than poor
too many times I’ve pandered to
the child I was before

and selfish is as selfish does —
I’ve been convinced I’m right
and even more-so when I’m wrong
all common sense takes flight

Forgive my past stupidity
this insight’s overdue
dear instinct since I’m more inclined
to take my cue from you