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 leaning 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 defeats with your head up
And your eyes open, with the grace of an adult,
Not the grief of a child,
And you learn to build all your roads on today
Because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans
After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if
you get too much
So plant your own 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 strong,
And you really do have worth

by Veronica A. Shoffstall