I don’t remember where this came from, but a copy turned up in the stack of papers I went through for shredding today. I’ve had it forever — I don’t know the author, but that doesn’t mean it’s anonymous.

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 yout defeats
With your head amd your eyes open,
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.

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 learn that you really can endure…
That you really strong,
And you really do have worth.