After a while

A beautiful poem by Veronica Shoffstall written in 1971, at a time when so much was changing for women, but its words are as relevant today.  This writer feels strong, self assured and contented.

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 always 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 ahead

with the grace of a women, 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  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 your flowers.

And you learn that you really can endure

 that you really are strong

And you really do have worth

And you learn and you learn

With every goodbye you learn……