After a while...
you learn the subtle difference between
holding a hand

and chaining a soul.

And you learn...
that love 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 open,
with the grace of an adult,
not the grief of a child.

And you learn...
to build all 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 get 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 do have worth.
And you learn and learn and learn...
with every goodbye, you learn.

~ Veronica A. Shoftstall