A poem by Veronica Shoffstal

After awhile you learn
the subtle difference between
holding a hand and chaining a soul...

After awhile you learn
the subtle difference between
holding a hand and chaining a soul
and you learn that love doesn’t mean possession
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 defects with your head up and your eyes ahead
with the grace of an adult and not the grief of a child.
and you learn to build your roads today
because tomorrows ground is too uncertain for plans
and futures have ways of falling down in the 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 you learn…