After a While....

After a while you learn
the subtle difference between
holding a hand and chaining a soul.

And you learn that love does not mean leaning,
and company does not always mean security.

And you begin to learn that kisses are not contracts
and presents are not promises.

And you begin to accept your defeats with your head up
and your eyes ahead 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
and futures have a way of falling down in 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 have worth.

And you learn and you learn with every good-bye you learn.

Author: Virginia Shoffstall