After A While

My friend told me about this poem but she couldn't remember who it was by. I found it on the interwebz and it is by Veronica A Shoffstall.

Here it is:

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 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…
That even sunshine burns if you get too much.

So you plant your 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 learn…
With every good-bye you learn


I found a blog that didn't quite agree with the message of the original poem so she rewrote it. She says, "This was a poem that resonated strongly with me throughout my childhood. I hadn’t thought of it in ages, but happened to see it online today. What’s funny is that because I was raised with this lesson, what I haven’t learned is how to allow someone to bring me flowers instead of insisting that I can get myself my own damn flowers if I want any". This rewrite is by Healthy Curls:

After a while you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and letting go of self,
And you learn that it’s okay to lean on others
And sometimes you need the security of companionship.
And you begin to learn that some kisses are meant as contracts
And, sometimes, a present is a promise of friendship and fidelity,
And you begin to accept that you are successful

With your head up and your eyes open
With the confidence of a woman, not the insecurity of a child,
And you learn to build your roads towards tomorrow
Because today is just a path towards where you want to be
And your future is what you choose to make of it.
After a while you learn…
That the bright light of day helps a soul grow and flourish.

So you plant your garden and decorate your soul,
But you love and appreciate the people who bring you flowers.
You learn that you really can be loved…
That you really are strong
And you really do have worth…
And you learn and learn…
With every hello,
With every goodbye,
With every day you live,
You learn.

What do you guys think? I love the rewrite.