After A While

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 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 a woman, not the grief of a child,

And 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.

And 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 can really endure...

That you are really strong

And you really have worth And you learn and learn...

With every good bye, you learn.

"1 have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."      John 16:33 RSV