After Awhile

After awhile you learn the subtle difference
between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
And you learn that love doesn't mean
leaning and company,
and it 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 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 you never know what will happen tomorrow.

After awhile you learn that
even sunshine burns if you get too much.
And you learn to plant you 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.