After
awhile you learn
the subtle difference between
holding a hand and chaining a soul
and
you learn
that love doesn't mean leaning
and company doesn't always mean security.
And
you begin to learn
that kisses aren't contracts
and presents aren't promises
You
begin to accept your defeats
with your head up and your eyes ahead
with the grace of an adult not the grief of a child.
And
you learn
to build your roads on today
because tomorrow's ground is
too uncertain for plans
and futures have ways of falling down
in mid-flight.
After
a while you learn
that even sunshine burns
if you get too much
so you plant your own garden
and decorate your own soul
instead of waiting for someone
to bring you flowers.
And
you learn that you really can endure,
you really are strong,
and you really do have worth.
