the subtle difference between

holding a hand and changing a soul.

And you learn that love doesn’t

mean leaning and company

doesn’t mean security.

And you learn that kisses aren’t contracts

and presents arent promises.

and you begin to accept

your defeats with your head up high

and your eyes ahead,

with the grace of a woman

and not the grief of a child.

And you learn to build all

your roads on toelay

because tomorrows ground

is to uncertain for plans

and futures have a way of falling

down in the middle of flight.

After a while you learn that

even sunshine burns if you get to 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,and you really

do have worth.

And you learn

and you learn

with every goodbye you learn…

by Veronica A. Shoffstall - copyright 1971