Lessons

I have learned much in the school
of life, did the assignments,
passed a few, failed at others,
kept notes only to toss them out

later... I followed good examples but
forged my own way when necessary,
saw change as a challenge, and thought
I did it all quite well until loss,

an unexpected visitor, taught me
its own lessons... I learned empty
rooms did not really mean you were
alone but being in rooms filled

with others did not really mean
you weren't... I learned tasting rain
was not nearly so sweet unless
someone was watching, skies blushing

at sunset were more exquisite
when love stood beside you... I learned
breathing deeply of each day was much
harder than I could ever imagine, and

memories did not wait for an invitation
to make themselves known, but what surprised
me most was the sound of change...
sometimes it is simply... silence.

mdbadgerow 2009:2011