After A While

After a while you learn the subtle difference

Between holding a hand and chaining  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 defeats

With your head up and your eyes open

With the gentleness 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.

Afte a while you learn

That even sunshine burns if you get too much

So you plant your garden and decorate you 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  really have worth

And you learn and learn

With every  good-bye you learn...

Ann Landers

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