After a while you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning
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 open
And 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 your plans.
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 will learn that you really can endure,
That you really are special.
And that you really do have worth.
So live to learn and know yourself.
In doing so, you will learn to live.
