"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 mean security,
you 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 grace of an adult not the grief of a child,
and you learn to build all your roads on today because
tomorrows ground is too uncertain for plans.
After a while you learn that even sunshine burns
if you get too much
so you plant your 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."