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After awhile you learn the subtle difference
between holding a hand and chaining a soul.
And you learn that love 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 a woman, not the grief of a child.
And you learn to build all your roads on Today
Because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for building,
And futures have a way of falling apart in midflight.
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 for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure...
That you really are strong
And that you really do have worth.
   And you learn ...
      And you learn ....

            With every goodbye you learn.

                       —Veronica A. Shoftstall