After A While

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 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 open.

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 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 that you really can endure...
That you really are strong
And you really do have worth,
and you learn and learn...
With every good bye you learn.

Veronica Shoffstall 1971

I have an online friend who when I read this, I thought imediately of her...and me. We are so similar on our individual quests for free spirits and forgivness. But I have found that the most difficult person to forgive in this big old world is me.... When you read this my friend, know I send only good wishes and strong convictions your way, and hopefully one day the minutes become hours and turn in to weeks and forgiveness reigns the forever after.

love me later~tj