After A While was written by Veronica A. Shoffstall and is now in beautiful calligraphy by Sherrie Lovler. This print is makes a lovely gift, ready to frame. The original poem was first published in Veronica's college yearbook in 1971. Her beautiful imagery leads one from disillusionment and heartbreak to a place of inner strength. After A While by Veronica A. Shoffstall 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 ahead 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 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 that you really do have worth And you learn and you learn with every goodbye you learn... The care Sherrie takes in creating the artwork is matched with the care she takes in presenting it to you. All acid-free mats and backing board are used. The matted prints come packaged in a plastic slip. Makes a perfect gift. Outside mat dimensions: 8x10" Inside mat dimensions: 5.25x7.25" Also available in 11x14" https://www.etsy.com/listing/111340417 See all my prints: https://www.etsy.com/shop/inkmonkeypress