After awhile you learn

the difference between holding a hand
and chaining a soul.

And you learn that love
doesn't mean security.
And you begin to understand
that kisses aren't contracts
and presents aren't promises.

And you begin to accept your defeats
with your head held high
and your eyes open,
with the grace of a woman,

not the grief of a child.

You learn to build your roads on today,
beause tomorrow's ground
is too uncertain
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 are strong.
And that you really do have worth

and that you keep earning.

With every good bye you learn.