after awhile you learn the subtle difference between
holding a hand and chaining a soul
and you learn that love doesn't mean possession
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 and your eyes ahead
with the grace of an adult not the grief of a child
and you learn to build your roads today
because tomorrows ground is uncertain for plans
and futures have ways of falling down in flight
after awhile 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....