*After a While*

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
And you begin to learn 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 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.
After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if
you get too much.
So plant your 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.

Veronica A. Shoffstall Copyright 1971