Learning

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 aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises
And you begin to accept defeats
with the grace of a woman
not the grief of a child

And learn to build all your roads
on today, because tomorrow 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 of it
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 have worth
and you really learn and learn
with every goodbye
you learn

An anonymous verse that I found so true.