after a while


after a while you learn the faint difference between holding a hand and yielding a soul

and you learn that kisses aren't agreements and presents are not promises

and you learn that love doesn't mean propensity and company doesn't mean security

and you begin to accept your defeats with dignity, with the refinement of an adult, not the angst of an immature

and you learn to build all 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 really are strong,

and you really do have worth.