Because I've Grown

I have learned

that gasps and tears

don't always mean you're sad

I have learned

that poisoning your blood

doesn't always make you bad

I have learned 

that struggling

doesn't mean that you need help

I have learned

that my best friend

will always be myself

I have learned

that the sun

can still shine while it rains

I have learned

that I should trust

not my heart, but my brain

I have learned

10,000 things

when I thought I was alone

but these things - I was not taught -

I learned because I've grown

-l.r.

Reviews

[Augustus]

I liked this poem a lot. Experience is a great teacher, and that's what growing up is all about, really. What I like most about the poem, especially the first eight lines or so, is your use of negatives. That is, you talk about how things are not, as opposed to how they are. Also, the phrases "don't always", "doesn't always" are important here. They tell the reader that you are learning everything about the shades of grey. The world isn't black and white anymore. It is more complex, more subtle, more nuanced. And that is the essence of anyone's education while growing up. I liked your use of metaphors towards the end, such as "the sun can shine while it rains". Overall, this is a simple but charming take on coming of age. Well done.

[Lexi Richard]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your insightful comment, every bit of feedback helps me improve my writing.

[Augustus]

You're welcome!

[MAC]

wonderful write! love the positiveness to it (tis rare to find in these modern times) excellent!!!

[Lexi Richard]

Thank you so much!

[Sumo]

Absolutely love this one!

[Lexi Richard]

Thank you!

[DELETED]

wow! Nice message and the flow. Good. Keep up!

[Lexi Richard]

Thank you!

[Kaliope]

What a great poem. Nice flow and very clever message. Some things - I think - we can't be taught, we need to experience them and that's exactly what growing means to me. I thoroughly enjoyed the read.

[Lexi Richard]

Thank you so much!

[Cherry]

And I believe you have become wiser because of it. You appear to be a smart writer and I find this to be inspiring to read. Good on you.

[Lexi Richard]

Thank you so much.

[MAC]

oh...this is incredibly brilliant. wish i would someday learn to allow my guard down to learn such things. excellent piece!

[Lexi Richard]

Thank you so much!

[Gee]

Sweet and oh so true.Age and experience sometimes though coming to late..enjoyed this

[Lexi Richard]

Thank you.

[cimmy wuv xxxooo]

That flowed so perfectly, The rhyming was brilliant, effortless, came naturally.
I loved the whole piece was so brilliantly written, straight from the heart stating how you feel.
I like how you kept repeating the line I have learnt as it sounds very poetic, the rhyming also made it sound very poetic.
I real allot of poetry that seems more like a story or a statement, rather then a poem. Where as this is clearly a poem. A good one at that.
Really enjoyed the read, keep writing :)

[Lexi Richard]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate you taking your time to write such a kind review.

[cimmy wuv xxxooo]

You are more then welcome :)

[D.T.]

Very good...sorry I keep reviewing your poems, they're just really good and positive and descriptive and have so much emotions.

[Lexi Richard]

Don't be sorry, I appreciate all of your kind reviews! Thank you so much.