I think I'm still learning...

After A While Poem
by Veronica Shoftsall

After awhile 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 are not promises
And you begin to accept your defeat 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 your roads on today
because tomorrows ground is too uncertain for plans
After awhile you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much.

So 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 that you really do have worth,
And you learn and you learn,
with every good-bye - you learn.