After a While
by Veronica A. Shoffstall
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 mean security
And you begin to learn that kisses are not contracts
and presents are not promises
And you begin to accept your defeat
with your head up and eyes open
with the grace of an adult, not a grief of a child
After a while you learn that sunshine burn if you get too much
so you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul
instead of waiting for someone to give you flowers
And you learn that you really can endure
that you really are strong
and you really do have worth
