Confucious was a smart guy

"By three methods we may learn wisdom:
first, by reflection, which is noblest;
second, by imitation, which is easiest;
and third, by experience, which is the bitterest."

Departures

As we entwine more deeply,
your forearm snaked around my left elbow and wrist,
the soft sheets threaten to hold us in place
like butterflies pinned to cork by their fragile wings.

Tears ease a path to my pillow and your palm,
seeking a pool already soaked into cotton,
but your breath melts my shoulder and
steeps my spine in acceptance.

I think about the meaning behind your words.
You speak off-the-cuff, tactless and immediate.
Blunt butter knife that leaves me bleeding so slightly.
What am I to believe? You misspoke.
Or that you meant every quick comment.

I sometimes wonder why I beg you.
Please tell me something sweet. Remind me that you care.
Why do I ask? Only two months ago I never thought to.
I never had to. You were glad to share happiness.

I call you handsome. You call me a grouch.
And our recent phone call was destiny, it seems.
My tears elicited your anger
and I sometimes realize this is unhealthy.
I’m amazed I don’t realize this more often.
I wish the metal rose would wilt,
hammered petals falling with my hopes.

But then I would have to admit
my assessment of you was incorrect.
Off by more than a mile.
Wiping the slate clean of my chalk scribbles
That I once considered handsome.

Fly

Sometimes, what we think we want we really don't. How many years until the healing begins and we learn from our patterns and truly discover ourselves? How can the mind fool us so terribly? How can our hearts mislead us to such dark corners?

I have not yet found the beauty in just letting go. It still just seems awful, painful, scary and unwanted. In that vein, the slightly comforting and motivational lyrics to "Fly."

Ain't no talkin' to this man
Ain't no pretty other side
Ain't no way to understand
the stupid words of pride
It would take an acrobat
and I already tried all that
I'm gonna let him fly

Things can move at such a pace
The second hand just waved goodbye
You know the light has left his face
But you can't recall just where or why
So there was really nothing to it
I just went and cut right through it
I said I'm gonna let him fly
Oh yeah

There's no mercy in a live wire
No rest at all in freedom
Choices we are given
It's no choice at all
The proof is in the fire
You touch before it moves away - yeah
But you must always know
How long to stay and when to go

And there ain't no talkin' to this man
He's been trying to tell me so
It took a while to understand
The beauty of just letting go
Cause it would take an acrobat
I already tried all that
I'm gonna let him fly
I'm gonna let him fly
I'm gonna let him fly