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 the pride of a man
not the grief of a child
and you learn
to build all your roads on today
because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain
and futures have a way falling down
in midflight
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 you really can endure
you really are strong
you do have worth as a person
and you learn...
and you learn...
with every
goddbye
you
learn.
V.Shoffstall c1971