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 defeat with your head up and your eyes open, with a grace of an adult and not the grief of a child, and 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 rally do have worth.
AND, you learn and learn…With every good bye you learn.
M. Veronica Newton