What I Now Know

I’m glad I have been loved,
and hurt by someone
who loves me.
Or else I might not know
how to forgive,
how to love anyway,
love in spite of,
love through,
love again,
love me,
love like
I am loved.

How to get back up,
open my arms,
hold close,
be held.

How to make a
sad-eyed child smile.

How to wait,
listen,
to the music,
the words.

How to be gentle.