After a while you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining the soul,
And you learn that love 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 grown up, not the grief of a child,
And you learn to build all your roads
On today, because tomorrow's ground
Is too uncertain. And futures have
A way of falling down in midflight.
After awhile 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 learn and learn.
With every goodbye you learn.