First, I was taught INDEPENDENCE.
On my own two feet, I was made to stand.
A hard lesson taught by a man.
Though, my father does not get that glory,
for the lesson he taught will come in a different story.

Next, I learned COMMITMENT.
For whom I gave very little effort and spent no time.
I tested the boundaries and then crossed the line.
A single unconscious misguided decision
opened a wound and forever altered my life’s direction.

Fate chose to step in and challenged my will,
it taught me that the TRUTH should never be concealed.

Up Next, I was met by COURAGE.
An unsolicited lesson clouded and masked in marital bliss.
The signs of deceit I blindly missed.
It came with the likeness of chivalry, love, and honor,
things not meant to cause pain, or make you run for cover.

Lastly, I stumbled upon STRENGTH.
A lesson all the others were unskilled to teach,
or was it, that my mind wouldn’t allow my heart to be reached.
This thing I was forced to face and quietly learn,
was buried down deep and from fear I couldn’t run.

As the seasons changed these were the lessons I gained.
I learned Independence,
it helped me understand Commitment,
introduced me to Truth,
Courage lifted me up,
but it was Strength I learned I couldn’t live without.