After a while

After a while...by Elly Priest

After a while you learn the subtle difference between 

holding a hand and draining a soul

And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning,

And company doesn't mean security,

You learn that kisses aren't contracts, and presents

aren't promises.

And you begin to accept your defeats with your

head held up high and your eyes wide open with the

grace of an adult - not the grief of a child.

And you learn to build 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 learn that you really can endure,

that you really are strong,

And that you really do have worth!