And so we learn . . .

After A While
(1971 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 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 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 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 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 you learn
   with every goodbye, you learn . . .