Lessons Learned

I taught you the art of silence
you taught me the art of conversation
you taught me distance from solitude
and I taught you separation.

You taught me that love has limits
I taught you they can be crossed
you taught me that walls are collapsible
but not without great cost.

I taught you independence and freedom
you taught me cages don't always have bars
I taught you to see a moonless sky
you taught me to see the stars.

I taught you about storms and winters
you taught me to run nude in the sun
I taught you to walk off the battlefield
you taught me wars can be lost though won.

You taught me to stand still in anger
and how to tolerate wounded wings
I taught you how to fly away mad
you taught me calm amid chaotic things.

I taught you poetry and shades of gray,
sadness of fall wind blowing through moss,
how to go find good firewood
in turn, you taught me loss.