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 mean security.
And you begin to learn
That kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises.
And you begin to accept defeat
With the grace of a woman
And not the grief of a child.
After a while
You learn that 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 are really strong
And you really do have worth.
And you learn and learn
With every goodbye you learn...


by Offhand