found: treasures

found these gems
among a sea of treasures











After awhile you learn the subtle difference
between holding a hand and chaining a soul
and you learn that love doesn't mean possession
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 ahead
with the grace of an adult not the grief of a child.

And you learn to build your roads on today
because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans
and futures have ways 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.

~Virginia Shopstall

then...

After 'after awhile'

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 give 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 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.

~Hazel