To my Readers,
 I want to share this with you.  AFTER AWHILE is my favorite poem. Over the years, every time I read it, not only does it move me, it also enlightens me. The enlightenment comes regarding the many choices I have made. As well as the many life lessons taught to me by the universe. Every time I read it, it has a huge impact on me.  I can tell that the author has been exactly where i was when I first discovered this poem. I was nursing a very broken heart, yet  refusing to let it beat me.  I will continue to decorate my own soul- you should do the same. Enjoy!

After Awhile…

After awhile 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 always 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 ahead with the grace of a woman and not the grief of a child.
And you learn to build all your roads on today because tomorrow’s ground is to uncertain- for plans and futures have a way of falling down in 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
with every goodbye you learn.

Veronica Shoffstall