AFTER A WHILE

After a while you learn the subtle difference
between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
And you learn that love doesnt mean leaning and
company doesnt mean security,
And you begin to learn that kisses arent contracts
and presents arent promises,
And 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, And you learn to build
all your roads on today because tomorrows
ground is too uncertain for 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 learn that you really can endure
That you really are strong, and you really do have
worth.
And you learn and you learn
with every good-bye you learn!