Things I Learned Last Year (2016-17)

Things I Learned Last Year

Friendships can form from
The cracks of a previously broken past

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder"
But don't take too long to text back

It may be cold for harsh periods of time
But it will warm up soon
So until then,
You better get cozy

Who knew you could learn to love something
You thought you would hate?

We believe, we achieve, we believed, we reflect
We get paid, we move on, but we never, not ever, forget

Don't be so anti-people
When there's so many to hold onto tight
But when do you draw that line?
You can't like everyone

I have the same rights as you, me not nearly 18,
But I understand, I persevere, I learn and I evolve,
While you preach on a glittering stage about something you can't change.

Reflection:

Welcome, friends, to yet another imitation of William Stafford's Things I Learned Last Week! I figured it would be fun to do what I did last year, and create a new imitation of the poem, just like I did last year. Now, as you can see, I imitated the stanza pattern from the original, as well as from my first imitation. That's the one thing I kept the same, as (like the original imitation I did) I didn't feel the need to follow a particular tone, or at least imitate a tone from the original.

So let me go through and explain some of the stanzas for you. The first two stanzas are about friendships. Last year, I created a lot of new friendships, even though believed I would have a hard time doing so, or that people wouldn't like me, but I was surprised. I made a lot of new friends at the beginning of the new school year, and I'm thankful for them.The second stanza is something I learned pretty late last year. I got super busy with school and wasn't texting my friends back in Charlotte as often as I'd have liked to, and I learned that if I didn't text (or text back) I'd lose those friendships. Those friendships are lifelines, so texting, to me, is crucial to keep those in tact.

My third stanza refers to the move from Charlotte to Ohio, and how I realized last year that I couldn't reverse it. Might as well get comfortable, you know? Even if it wasn't something I chose for myself, I learned that I might as well make the best of it, and I'm learning every day how to do that. Same thing with the fourth stanza. I thought I would absolutely hate it up here (and in some respects, I still don't quite like it up in Ohio as much as Charlotte), but there are a lot of things up here that I do like, especially the people and the opportunities.

The fifth stanza and the last one refer to the election. I know everyone has very weighted thoughts on that subject, and what I say is just a shout in the void, but I'm especially proud of the last stanza, because I truly believe that. I do have the same rights as adults do (freedom of speech, etc.) but I think I'm able to understand more and keep my mind open to more things, so when the people so narrow-minded won't give people any chances, it frustrates me. The world doesn't stay the same. It's forever changing, and the only way to keep up with that is to make sure that you're forever changing, as to not be left behind. New and change is good. I learned that a long time ago. Some people might as well start learning that now as well.

For as many friendships as I've made, there have been a fair share of people I've disliked last year, more so than others, but sometimes you just have to take a deep breath, remind yourself how human you are (which is very human) and then move on. Some people aren't worth your time, and thinking about how much you dislike them won't get you anywhere. Surround yourself by the people who will help you and champion you, and you will be forever grateful. Draw a line in the stand and step over it. Draw a few lines for the people you dislike and then get over them. You won't regret it.

That's all I have for now! I hope your 2016 has changed your life as much as it's changed mine. If you have any strangely cool correlations with my year, or just any thoughts or questions in general, feel free to leave them in the comments or maybe even write a post of your own!