Learning

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 your defeats
With your head up and eyes open
And 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 your plans.
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 will learn that you really can endure,
That you really do have worth.
So live to learn and know yourself.
In doing so, you will learn to live.


This poem was passed on to me from a very good friend - we aren't sure who the words belong to - but the sentiment is for everybody.