After a while, you learn
the subtle difference
Between holding a hand
and chaining a soul
And love does not mean leaning
And company does not 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 open
with the Grace of a woman,
not the grief of a child.
And you begin to build your roads on today
Because tomorrow's grounds are
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 the flowers
And you learn that you really can endure
That you really are strong
That you really have worth
And you learn and learn...