After a while you learn

There is this poem which someone send me many years ago and since then I have tacked it up over my desk wherever I go. (I still don't know who the poet is).

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 always 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 open,
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 midflight.

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 you learn
With every new day, you learn.