This is why there is poetry

Thank you to May, for sending this, and Vikki for sharing it:

AFTER A WHILE
by Veronica A. Shoffstall

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 defeats
With your head up and your eyes open
With grace of a woman, not the grief of a child,
And you begin to build all your roads on today
Because tomorow's ground is too uncertain for plans.
And future have a way of falling in mid-flight.
After a while, you learn
That even sunshine burns if you get too 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 learn...
With every goodbye, you learn.

"So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers."

Thank you, May.