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 your eyes open, with the grace of an adult
not the grief of a child,

And you learn to build your roads on today
because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans,

After a while you 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 are really strong
and you really do have worth.