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After a While -Poem

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 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.

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