After a while you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
And you learn that love doesn mean learning and company doesn mean security,
And you begin to learn that kisses aren contracts and presents aren promises,
And you begin to accept your defeat with your head up and you eyes open, with the grace of an adult, not the grief of a child,
And you learn to build all you roads on today because tomorrow 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 else to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure…
That you really are strong,
And you really do have worth.
Veronica A. Shoffstall