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Comes the Dawn
by Joy Whitman

"After a while you learn the subtle difference between
holding a hand and sharing a life,
and you learn that love doesn't mean possession
and company doesn't mean security
and loneliness is universal.

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 a man
not the grief of a child...

And you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much;
so you plant your own garden
and nourish your own soul
instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers."