Self worth

I saw the following poem hand-written in calligraphy, matted and framed, in a Dr's waiting room a few years ago, and I whipped out my pen and pad and copied it all down. Tonight I happened upon the poem--it was and is deeply touching to me. It wasn't titled, so here it is:

After awhile you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and charming 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 the grace of a woman,
Not the grief of a child.

And you learn to build your road on today
Because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans
And futures have a way of falling down in mid flight.

After awhile you learn
That even sunshine burns if you get too much.

So plant your own garden and decorate your own soil
Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers,

And then you discover
You really can endure
That you are strong
And you really do have worth.

Monroe Mohienweiser