After a While

When I can't sleep I do either two things......Read or listen to music, I did the music thing the previous night....have a terrible cough......and then last night I went to the books....I hate to read books I have previously read but there are some books that you never get tired of reading, this one I recommend you all read.....Chicken Soup for the Soul Series......the particular one I am reading is Chicken Soup for the Teenage soul and in it held the most beautiful poem I have ever read......I swear it read, like something I had written it in my head, except I never had the words to write so eloquently......it instantely inspired me to write something of similar nature, but it would have felt like plagiarism so I decided to share instead....ENJOY

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 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 are really strong,

And you really do have worth.

Veronica A. Shoffstall

written at age 19