You learn the subtle difference between holding a hand & chaining a soul,
and that love doesn't mean leaning & company doesn't mean security,
and begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts & presents aren't promises,
and begin to accept your defeats with your head up & your eyes open,
with the grace of an adult, not the grief of a child.
You learn to build all your roads on today
because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans.
After a while you also learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much.
So, 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 really do have worth.