Learning

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 your roads on today
Because tomorrow 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 you own soul.
Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you will learn that you really can endure
That you are really special,
And that you really do have a worth.
So live to learn and know yourself.
In doing so, you will learn to live.

Author unknown