THE LESSON

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

You learn that love isn’t security, kisses aren’t contracts and presents aren’t promises.

And you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and eyes open

With the grace of a woman, not the antics of a child.

You learn to build all of your roads on today

Because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain.

You learn that futures have a way of crashing down in mid flight.

After a while you learn that even the sunshine burns if you get too much.

So instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers you plant your own.

And you learn that you really can endure.

You learn that you really are strong.

You learn that you really do have worth.

And you learn and you learn …

With every goodbye you learn.

SS-12