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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 the grace of a woman
Not the grief of a child

And learn to build all your roads on today
Because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans
And futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight

And 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.

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