I Have Learned

Learned Lessons 

I have learned

Love is starlight

Flared upon clay skin.

Passion is fuel

From one’s white hot

Core.

I have learned

Kings stand

In darkness

And paupers

Flaunt themselves

In light.

I have learned

Hate presents itself

As love

And coils within

Covers

Of safety.

I have learned

Wounds make room

For a man.

Scars are

Lessons written

Across flesh.

I have learned

To protect

Truth

And never forsake

What is valued

Beyond breath and blood.