After awhile you learn the subtle difference,
between holding a hand and chaining a soul.
And company doesn't mean security.
And you begin to understand
that kisses aren't contracts
and presents aren't promises.
You begin to accept your defeats,
with your head held high
and your eyes wide open.
With the grace of a woman
not the grief of a child.
You learn to build your roads on today,
because tomorrows ground
is too uncertain for plans.
And futures have a way
of falling down in mid-flight.
After awhile, you learn that even sunshine
burns you 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 are strong,
and you really do have worth.
And you can learn,
with every goodbye,
you learn.
