After awhile you learn the difference, a 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 an adult, 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 midflight.

After a while you learn that even sunshine burns
If you get too much.

So 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.

~ by Veronica A. Schoffstall