I Learned

I learned not to ask why
Futility isn’t for me anymore
 
I learned that 1+1 doesn’t always equal two
Sometimes it equals two ones
 
I learned to put lotion on my skin before I towel dry
I’m not a fish, scales are unnecessary
 
I learned that validation always comes at a cost
And the currency is usually too high
 
I learned that walking away isn’t always leaving
Sometimes people still rent space in your head if you let them
 
I learned that if dressing the part means I have to conform
I’d rather be naked  
 
I learned that human touch is lifesaving
And I don’t want die
 
I learned that if the world doesn’t give me what I need
Not to sit there and cry about it  
But to give it to myself
There’s no shame in being lonely
Settling for less
Doesn’t serve me anymore
So, I’ll wait
And when what/who I need shows up
I’ll be ready