Hardening With Time

I was told to be strong,
Nobody taught me how to.
They told me not to cry,
But they didn't give me a reason to smile too.

They told me the wounds shall heal,
They didn't tell me about the scars that will be left behind.
They told me I should smile even when i feel low,
They didn't teach me how the pain i should hide.

I may not have been taught yet i have learnt,
This art of deception.
They may not have all been angels in my life,
But i realize their importance upon reflection.

Each one who made me cry, hardened me for the next letdown.
Each one who hurt me became a mentor of mine.
I am learning each day to be what they always told me i should,
I am mustering strength and fighting this, one step at a time, one less tear each time....