Thank you for sending me this. It's beautiful.

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 grace of an adult
And the grief of a child
And you begin to build 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 defeats like an adult
But like a child, will want someone who will 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 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