After A While

After a while you learn the 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 parents 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 to uncertain for plans

After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you get to much

So plant your own gardens and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers 

And you learn that you really endure….

That you really are strong

And you really have worth

Veronica A. Shaffstall