I came across this poem today that just blew me away.
"Learning" (Jorge Borges)
After a while one learns
the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
and one learns that love is not physical,
and a partner does not mean security,
and one starts to learn...
that kisses aren't contracts
and presents aren't promises
and one starts to accept his losses with a tall head and open eyes,
and one learns to make paths today***
because tomorrow's lands are not secure enough for plans
and dreams have a way of falling apart along the way.
And after a while
one learns that even a little sun can burn.
So one plants his own garden
and adorns his own soul
in place of waiting for someone else to bring the flowers.
And one learns that one really can go on,
that one really is strong,
that one really is worthy,
and one learns and learns...
and each day one learns.
***I had trouble translating this line because it doesn't translate simply into English. The idea is that you have to take the intangible ideas in your head and make them happen today because tomorrow life may not give you the materials you need to make it happen.
"Learning" (Jorge Borges)
After a while one learns
the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
and one learns that love is not physical,
and a partner does not mean security,
and one starts to learn...
that kisses aren't contracts
and presents aren't promises
and one starts to accept his losses with a tall head and open eyes,
and one learns to make paths today***
because tomorrow's lands are not secure enough for plans
and dreams have a way of falling apart along the way.
And after a while
one learns that even a little sun can burn.
So one plants his own garden
and adorns his own soul
in place of waiting for someone else to bring the flowers.
And one learns that one really can go on,
that one really is strong,
that one really is worthy,
and one learns and learns...
and each day one learns.
***I had trouble translating this line because it doesn't translate simply into English. The idea is that you have to take the intangible ideas in your head and make them happen today because tomorrow life may not give you the materials you need to make it happen.
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