I've learned not to write in the margins,

and how to parallel park.

I've learned algebra and geometry and the principles of biology.

I've learned to sightread and how to write an editorial,

and how to speak another person's language.

I've learned that pens eventually run out,

That you cannot remember every wonderful moment of your life

no matter how hard you try.

And the sound of the tires on the highway early in the morning is the best sound there is, next to the call of the open road,

and after all there's not much difference.

I've learned that freedom brings opportunity and vice versa,

And that no one will ever know every story that happens as we speak across our great country or even our beautiful world.

I've learned that you cannot count the stars nor count on the future.

I've learned that a planned poem is a horrible one,

That you cannot

cage

the human spirit.

And I've learned not to expect anything, least of all a happy ending,

But I've learned to hope for one.