Life Is a Learning Process

Life is a learning process, as this beautiful bit of free verse by Veronica A. Shoffstall tells us:

After a while you learn the subtle differenceBetween holding a hand and chaining a soul,And you learn that love doesn't mean leaningAnd company doesn't mean security.

And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contractsAnd presents aren't promises,And you begin to accept your defeatsWith your head up and your eyes openWith the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child,And you learn to build all your roads on todayBecause tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plansAnd 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 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 strongAnd you really do have worth...And you learn and learn...With every good-bye you learn.