AFTER AWHILE

by Veronica A. Shoffstall
(1971)

After awhile you learn the subtle difference of holding a hand and changing a soul;

And you learn that love is not about leaning and company is not about security;

And you begin to learn that kisses are not contracts and presents are not promises;

And you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes ahead with the grace of a woman, not a grief of a child. 

And you learn to build all your roads today because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans and futures have a way of falling in mid-flights.

After awhile 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 you can really endure and you are really strong and you really have worth;

And you learn and you learn and you learn.
With every goodbyes you learn...

After awhile.