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 doesnt mean leaning,
and company doesnt always mean security.
And you begin to learn that kisses are not contracts,
and present's arent 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