You Learn...

I found this poem while going through my Mimi's condo and it really did hit home for me.

After awhile you learn the subtle difference

between holding a hand and chaining a soul,

And you learn that love doesn't mean learning,

And company doesn't mean security.

And you being 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 of a woman, not the grief of a child.

And you learn to build all your roads on today

becasue tomorrow's ground is to uncertain for plans.

And futures have a way of falling in mid-flight

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 fof 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.