The Best Things

There are good things.

Good things like passing grades.
Like the wind playing with your hair,
Or the feel of cool water on your sun-toasted skin.
Things that give you a rush of happiness:
Temporary, but true.

There are great things.

Great things like kind smiles.
Like the rush of knowledge and discovery,
Or that first kiss, precious and terrifying.
Things that you'll hold in your memory forever:
They imprint themselves into your heart.

Then there are the best things.

The best things are choices:
They are the people you let affect your life,
The deeds to which you dedicate your soul.
The best things leave salty tear tracks on your face
And glowing joy in your heart.
The best things can make you a warrior for light
Or bring you enough pain to tear down your resolve.
They are the things that last:
They will follow you into forever.

The best things will teach you.
They will show you how to learn,
How to grow,
And how to love.