After a while...

I have just recently unearthed this poem from my office files and felt it appropriate to post:

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 your head up and and your eyes open,
With the grace of a woman,
Not the grief of a child.
You learn to build your roads on today,
For tomorrow's ground is uncertain.
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 stong...
And that you really do have worth.