Comes the dawn

After a while you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and changing a soul,
And you learn that love doesn't mean security
And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises,
And you begin to accept defeats
With your head up and your eyes open,
With the grace of maturity, no the grief of a child,
And you learn to build your roads "Today"
Because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans,
and futures have a way of falling down in midflight.
After a while 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 you really can endure...
That you really are strong
And you really do have worth
And you learn and learn and learn...
With every good-bye you learn.