After A While
Author: Veronica A. Shoffstall

After a while you learn the subtle difference between

holding a hand and chaining a soul

and you learn 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 always promises

and you begin to accept your defeats with your head up

and your eyes ahead with the grace of a woman, 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

and futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.

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 to

bring you flowers

And you learn that you really can endure, that you really are strong

and you really do haveworth and you learn and you learn

with every good-bye you learn.