ULYSSES’ RETURN HOME

We learn when we feel lost

Finding our way isn’t free and

Growing pains are no small things,

We ache from the inside out.

Must the ocean always be calm?

No sailor is tested by a soft breeze.

We find out only in the storm 

Who we are and how we bend.

The hardening of one’s soul

Comes from bruising blows.

Slowly we learn life isn’t trying to be fair;

It’s a blind and deaf teacher.

Our tears will dry.  Pain will pass.

Lessons learned are small solace,

But they are all we have, our  badges,        
Ribbons we wear like tenderfoot scouts.