After a while you learn the subtle difference
between holding a hand and chaining a soul.
And you learn that love does not mean leaning
and that company does not 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 and your eyes open
with the grace of an adult
and not the grief of a child.
And you learn to build all your roads today
because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans,
and the future has a way of falling down in mid flight.
After a while you learn that sunshine burns
if you get too much.
So you plant your own garden and decorate you own soul
instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure…
That you are strong and you have worth.
And you learn and learn.
With every good bye you learn.
And with every hello.
~ Jorge Borges