After a while you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
You learn that love doesn't mean leaning
And company doesn't mean security,
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 open,
With the grace of an adult, not the grief of a child,
You learn to build all your roads on today
Because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans,
Futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight
After a while you learn,
Even shunshine 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,
You learn that you really can endure...
That you really are strong...
That you really do have worth...
And you learn and learn...
With every good-by you learn.
