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 an adult
not the grief of a child.
And you begin to build all your roads on today
for 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 give you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure...
That you really are strong...
And you really do have worth.


AFTER "AFTER A WHILE"...

After 'after a while'
You want to hold a hand not to chain a soul
but to enjoy its company,
and you want someone's lips to kiss,
not because you are lonely but because you are happy,
and you want to give presents
and you want to make promises.
After 'after a while'
You begin to accept your defeats like an adult,
but like a child, will want someone to listen and care,
and you want someone who will build roads with you today
so maybe you can pave the way for your future together.
After 'after a while'
You want someone's sunshine and warmth,
but also accept the rain and the cold,
and you want to give flowers picked from your own garden.
And when your garden is picture perfect,
you want it to be more than a picture
even if it means having to be imperfect
because you want someone in it to stay and to live.
Then you'll see that there is such a thing as love...
and that you were made to live in someone else's garden...
and you'll know that there is more to life than yourself.


AND NOW...

You realize that no matter how tightly you hold,
if you're meant to let go, you can
And then you will understand that love
gives you reasons to understand
even the most complicated situations
And you will grow older believing
that just because you have convictions
doesn't mean you're always right.
You will remember lips because of the smiles
that made your day,
the words that touched your soul,
not only because of the sweet kisses.
And as you graciously accept defeat
and absorb the meaning of lessons learned,
You feel that you are finally being the person
you never thought you'd be.
So, armed with courage, strength and confidence,
you will face the world head on...
With or without an army behind you
Because you know your worth and that alone is an armor.
With more heartbreaks you will cry
But after every heartache, you will rise.
Life is a garden ... it takes long to make it beautiful.
But it's always worth the wait.