truth.

After a while you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul.  You learn that love does not mean leaning and company doesn't always mean security.  You begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts and presents aren't always promises and you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and eyes ahead with the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child.  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 else to bring you flowers.  You learn that you really can endure, that you really are strong, and that you really do have worth, and you learn.  You learn. 

With every good-bye, you learn. 

-Veronica A. Shoffstall