A poem about learning from bittersweet experiences. The best thing about life and getting older is that you learn from your experiences...you just can't do it otherwise. When they actually happen to you...all the motley weeps and laughs that are inevitably intertwined in the intricacy of life, you are unknowingly blessed because you emerge so much stronger and wiser...

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 ahead
with the grace of a woman,
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
and futures have a way of falling down
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,
you really are strong,
you really do have worth,
and you learn
and you learn,
with every goodbye, you learn...