After A While

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.
You begin to accept your defeats with your head up
and your eyes ahead with the grace of an adult,
not the grief of a child.

And you learn to build your roads on today,
because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans
and futures have ways 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,
you really are strong
and you really do have worth.

And you learn …
And you learn …
With every goodbye, you learn …