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 your defeats

With your head held up and your eyes open,

With the grace of a woman or a man,

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 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 that you really can endure...

That you really are strong

That you really have worth.