Poem from an unknow author…

Learning

after a while you learn the subtle difference
between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
and you learn that love doesnt mean leaning
and company doesnt mean security.
and you begin to learn that kisses arent contracts
and presents arent promises-
and you begin to accept your defeats
with your head up and your eyes open
and with the grace of an adult, not the
grief of a child.
and you learn to build all your roads on today
because tomorrow is too uncertain
for your plans.
after awhile you learn that even sunshine
burns if you get too much.
so 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 special.
and that you really do have worth.
so live to learn and know yourself.
in doing so, you will learn to live.

unknown author

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Got it from my former colleague; it is quite a beautiful one.  Do you know the author of this beautiful poem?