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 always

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 your head up and your eyes ahead

with the grace of a woman not the grief of a child

and you learn to build all your roads on today

because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans

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 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.