True Love

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 doesn't always 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 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 awhile 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 and you learn
with every good-bye you learn

-Unknown-