learn.

After a while
the subtle d i f f e r e n c e  between
holding a hand
and  c h a i n i n g  a soul

And you learn that
love doesn't mean  l e a n i n g 
and company
doesn't always mean  s e c u r i t y

And you begin to learn
that kisses aren't  c o n t r a c t s
and presents aren't  p r o m i s e s
and you begin to  a c c e p t  your defeats
with your head up
and your eyes ahead
with the  g r a c e  of a woman
not the grief of a child

And you learn
to build all your roads on today
because tomorrow's ground
is too  u n c e r t a i n  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 you plant your own garden
and decorate your own soul
instead of  w a i t i n g 
for someone to bring you flowers

and you learn
that you really can  e n d u r e
that you are really strong
and you really do have  w o r t h

And you learn and you learn
with every  g o o d b y e  you learn.


- Veronica A. Shoffstall


(Credits to or8)