Wisdom.

                               After a while you learn
                               The subtle difference between
                               Holding a hand and chaining a soul
                               And you learn that love doesn't mean possession
                               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 ahead
                               With the grace of an adult not the grief of a child.

                               And you learn to build your roads today
                               Because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans
                               And futures have ways of falling down in mid-flight.

                               After awhile 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 you learn.
                               With every goodbye you learn.
                                                                           -Veronica A. Shoffstall.