AFTER   AWHILE

And you learn
that love doesn't mean leaning
and company doesn't
always 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
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 plans,
and
futures have a way of falling
down in mid-flight.

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.