snickerdoodle

After awhile 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 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 open,

with the grace of an adult,

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.

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 strong,

and you really do have worth.