After a While

A very powerful perspective about breaking up and your inner strength to go forward and start again...

After a While

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 aren't 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 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
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
that you really are strong
and you really do have worth
And you learn
And you learn
with every goodbye
You learn...
- 1971 Veronica Shoffstall -