A Poem by Veronica A. Shoffstall

After a while you learn the 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 an adult, 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.

After a while you learn that even sunshine

burns if you get too much.
So 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.