Growing Old and Wise With Grace

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.

After a while

You learn that even sunshine burns a little if

you get too much.

To 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 reall are strong,

and you really do have worth.

[This is a gift from The Gecho Bar & Grill in White Rock]