YOU LEARN

after a while you learn
the subtle difference
between holding a hand
and chaining a soul
and you learn
that love does not mean leaning
and company does not mean security
and you begin to learn
that kisses are not contracts
and presents are not promises
and you begin to accept your defeats
with the grace of a woman
not the grief of a child
and you learn to build all of 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 ask too much.
so 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 have worth.

and you learn
and you learn
with every goodbye

you learn....

Reece Rakowski