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