Quote for the Week: After A While

After a while you learn the subtle difference
between holding a hand and sharing a life.
And you learn that love does not mean possession
and company doesn't mean security
and loneliness is universal
And you 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 a woman, not the grief of a child.
And you learn to build your hope on today
as the future has a way of falling apart in midflight
because tomorrow's ground can be uncertain for plans.
Yet each step taken in a new direction creates a path
toward the promise of a brighter dawn.
And you learn that even sunshine
Burns if you get too much.
So you plant your own garden and nourish
your own soul instead of waiting
for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that through it all you really can endure,
that you really are strong,
That you do have value.
And you learn and grow-----
with every goodbye you learn.
                       Veronica Shaffstal