After a while

I first read this in an Ann Landers or Dear Abby column.  It grabbed me then, and I have never forgotten it.

After a While

(You Learn)

© Veronica A. Shoffstall 1971

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 always mean security.

And you begin to learn that kisses are not contracts,

and presents aren’t promises.

And you begin to accept your defeats

with your head up and your eyes ahead...

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 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…

you really are strong,

you really do have worth.

And you learn, and you learn…

with every goodbye,

You Learn…