After a While

by Veronica A. Shoffstall

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 a woman, not the grief of a child,

And 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 midflight.

And 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 have worth;

And you learn and learn...With every goodbye you learn.

(Reprinted from Ann Landers column)