a Poem that was shared

After A While

After a while you learn the subtle difference between

            holding a hand and chaining a soul,

And you learn that love doesn't mean learning and

            company doesn't mean security,

And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts

            and presents aren't promises,

And you begin to accept your defeat with your head

            up and you eyes open, with the grace of an adult,

            not the grief of a child,

And you learn to build all you roads on today

            because tomorrow ground is too uncertain for

            plans.

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 else to bring you

            flowers.

And you learn that you really can endure...

That you really are strong,

And you really do have worth.

Veronica A. Shoffstall