After A While

After A While is a poem written by Veronica A. Shoffstall and first published in her college yearbook in 1971. Her beautiful imagery leads one from the feeling of disillusionment and heartbreak to a place of inner strength.

After A While Prints

After A While prints are hand-lettered in beautiful calligraphy by artist Sherrie Lovler. They are available in many sizes and colors, matted and framed. All prints are acid-free and designed to last for generations. more about the prints

close-up1Beautiful title letters
outlined in black
close-up2Italic calligraphy
which is easy to read
close-up3A hand-painted rose adds the perfect touch

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After A While Poem

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...

by Veronica Shoffstall