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 the grace of a woman not the grief of a child,

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.

And 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 and learn...

With every goodbye, you learn.

by Veronica Shoffstal