After a while you learn the subtle difference
between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
You learn that love doesn't mean security,
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 eyes open
with the grace of a woman,
not the grief of a child.

You learn to build all your roads on today
because tomorrows ground is too uncertain,
and futures have 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 garden and
decorate your own soul,
instead of waiting for someone
to bring you flowers.

You learn that you really can endure,
That you really are strong
You really do have worth,
And you learn...and learn
With every good-bye...
you learn.

Author Unknown...