WISDOM: You Learn

You Learn

After awhile you learn . . . .
The subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
And you learn that love doesn't mean clinging
And romance 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 and dignity of a grown up,
Not the fear and 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.

And 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 that you really do have worth.

And you learn and learn
With every good-bye to the past, you learn