Friday Frills

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. 

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 your plans. 

After a while you learn that even sunshine 

Burns if you have too much. 

So plant your own garden and decorate your own soul 

Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers. 

And you will learn that you really can endure 

More than you ever thought you could. 

That you really are special 

And that you really do have the grandest worth. 

So live to learn and know yourself 

And in doing so, you will learn to live.

*Poem by Veronica Shoftshall, with adaptions. Image via weheartit