Poem: After a While

[Jennifer Zahn]

Thought I'd contribute a poem that helped me through some rough spots.

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 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 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
and futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.

After a while you learn tbat even sunshine burns if you get too much
so you plant you 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.

by Veronica A. Shoffstall
--
-JZ jsz...@facstaff.wisc.edu/jsz...@macc.wisc.edu

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can
change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. -
Margaret Mead