After awhile 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, 
with the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child. 

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

And futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight. 

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 really do have worth. 

And you learn and learn and learn... 
with every goodbye you learn. 

-Blythe K. Myers