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 always 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 ahead; 
with the grace of a woman, 
not the grief of a child

And you learn to build all your roads on today, 
because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans 
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 can endure; 
that you really are strong
and you really do have worth

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

© 1971 Veronica A. Shoffstall

Reprinted here with special permission by the author, please respect the author by asking permission before reprinting this poetry piece in any form and giving credit where credit is due.

Read more of Veronica's wonderful writings at her website: http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/8184