After a While

After a while
you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand 
and chaining a soul.
And you learn love doesn't mean leaning 
and company doesn't always mean security.

And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts 
and presents aren't always promises, 
and you begin to accept your defeats with your head up 
and your eyes ahead with the grace of a woman, 
not the grief of a child.

And you learn to build all your roads on today 
because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans 
and futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.

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 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 with every good-bye you learn.