Reality of Love

After a while you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul

And you learn that love does not mean leaning and company does not always mean security

And you begin to learn that kisses are not contracts and presents are not promises

And you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes ahead with the grace of an adult, not the grief of a child

And you learn to build all your roads on today because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans, and futures have a way of falling down in flight

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 strong and you really do have worth

And you learn and you learn with every goodbye you learn.