you learn

After a while, 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 mean security .

And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts and
presents aren't promises.

And you begin to accept your defeats.
With you head up and your eyes open.
With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child.

And you learn to build all your roads today
Because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans
And future's has a way 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
That you really are strong
And you really do have worth
And you learn and you learn
With every goodbye you learn

By - Veronica A. Shoffstall