Veronica A. Shoffstall.

After A While.


After a while, you learn the subtle difference
between holding a hand
& chaining a soul,

And you learn
that Love doesn't mean leaving
& company doesn't mean security,

And you begin to learn
that kisses aren't contracts
& presents aren't promises

And you begin
to accept your defeats
with your head up & eyes open,
with the grace of an adult,
not the grief of a child.

And you learn to build all your roads
on today...
because tommorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans.

After a while you learn, that even
sunshine burns if you get too much..

So plan your own garden
& decorate your own soul,
instead of waiting for someone
to bring you flowers.

And you learn that
you can really endure..
that you really are strong,
And, ...
You really do have worth.

Veronica A. Shoffstall.

Happy Valentine's Day kitties.