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 your head up high 
                            and your eyes ahead 
                         with the grace of a woman 
                         and 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 the middle of 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 good-bye you learn... 

                         by Veronica A. Shorffstall