With Every Step...

After awhile you learn the difference
Between a true friend and an acquaintance
And you learn that support doesn’t mean taking the fall
And being a part of a team doesn’t mean security
And you begin to remember that you have to do your part
Because one person’s love is not a promise of success
And you begin to accept that the world, including you, is not perfect
But with a strong heart and an open mind
With poise and confidence
You learn to build on all of your goals each day
Because you never know what the next day might bring
And sometimes our plans have a way of changing…
After awhile you learn
The even the perfect rose will wilt
So you make your own happiness and create your own dream
Instead of waiting to be guided along
And you learn that you really are okay
That you really are important
And you really do have worth
And you learn and you learn
With every turn
With every leap
With every 1st place
With every disappointment
You learn
With every step you learn…

-Stephanie Wood
(My version of “Comes the Dawn: by Dottie)