After a while, you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul, 

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 up and your eyes open,
With the grace of an adult
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 the sunshine burns if you get too much. 

So plant your own garden
Decorate you own soul,
Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers. 

And you learn that you really can endure?
That you are really strong
And you really do have worth.
And you learn and learn. 
With every good-bye you learn.