After a while you learn the 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.

With the Grace of a Woman;

Not the Grief of a Child.

And you learn to Build all your Roads 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 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 Learn..

~With every Good-Bye you Learn~