After A While....

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 opened,
with the grace of an adult,
not the grief of a child ~

And you learn to build your roads on today
because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans ~

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.

~ Anonymous