As human beings
we risk looking like a fool
for love because
we have dreams for the adventure
of being alive.

But as so often happens
we are opened by life's betrayals
or we are closed
from fear of further pain
but still want that chance
to dance in the rain.

How many of us
never realize that our feelings
toward others
are determined by
our feelings toward
ourselves.

Be realistic and remember
the limitations of being human
and remember
if you can't love yourself
you can't love others.

Let go when
you're hurting too much
and give up when
love isn't enough.

We must learn
to move on when things
are not like before
and know that there
is someone out there
who will love you
even more.

Be true to yourself
even if you disappoint others
and if we must
bear the accusation of betrayal
don't betray your
own soul.

See life's beauty
even when it is not pretty
and be able
to live with failure
even if it isn't yours.

Don't cry
because it is over but smile
because it happened
and realize you only
live once but if
done right once is
all you need.

When life offers you
a dream that is far beyond
what you had ever hoped for
don' t grieve
when it comes to an end
just go confidently
in that direction.  

Live the life
that you have imagined
and do more than just exist
but live knowing
that where there is love
there is life.

For some reason
we never see things
as they are
but we see them as we are
because that is part
of the limitations of being human
and it is better to be hated
for what you are
than loved for what
you are not.

Sometimes we
are beautiful maybe
not in looks but in what we say
and just in what we are
so know life is
to be enjoyed and  not
just endured
and know that
to someone you
are a star.                           Jon  York                                2012