After A While

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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 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 awhile 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 good bye you learn.

Veronica Shoffstall 1971