After a while

You learn the subtle difference between

Holding a hand and chaining a soul.

You learn that love doesn't mean security,

Kisses aren't contracts,

Presents aren't promises.

You begin to accept your defeats

With your head up and eyes open,

With the grace of an adult

Not the grief of a child.

You learn to build all of your roads on today

Because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans.

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.

And instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers,

You learn that you really can endure.

You really are strong.

And you really do have worth.

But only after a while.