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Plant Your Own Garden

June 11, 2013 by Barb 22 Comments

 

While searching for a quote I ran across this poem by Veronica Shoffstall, and, like many others, I found that it “spoke” to me. Perhaps it speaks to you as well.

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 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 you really do have worth.

And you learn and learn…

With every goodbye you learn.

Veronica A Shoffstall

Filed Under: Artful Photography Tagged With: freebie, quotes, word art

Comments

  1. Sherry says

    June 11, 2013 at 7:12 am

    The Shoffstall poem has long been one of my favourites…thank you for printing it today — it’s often good to be reminded of how we can best treat ourselves. And your photograph is gorgeous!!!

    Reply
    • Barb says

      May 6, 2017 at 6:30 am

      Isn’t it a wonderful poem …

      Reply
  2. Sylvia says

    June 11, 2013 at 7:23 am

    Your lilac photo is so lovely, Barb, beautiful word art too !
    And what a wonderful poem !
    Nice week,
    Sylvia

    Reply
    • Barb says

      May 6, 2017 at 6:30 am

      Thank you Sylvia xo

      Reply
  3. Deb says

    June 11, 2013 at 7:48 am

    Love EVERYTHING about this post Barb!
    Gorgeous lilac image & “after a while” poem is one of my favourites.
    Beautiful, creative Word art.

    Reply
    • Barb says

      May 6, 2017 at 6:32 am

      Thank you so much Deb!

      Reply
  4. TexWisGirl says

    June 11, 2013 at 8:47 am

    wow. powerful.

    Reply
  5. Suzette says

    June 11, 2013 at 9:05 am

    I love the image and your beautiful soft processing…just elegant. The poem is one of my favorites and I’m so glad to be reminded of it today. Just what I needed to here! Have a wonderful day!

    Reply
  6. Deanna@Snippets from Springdale says

    June 11, 2013 at 10:04 am

    What a beautiful poem, thank you so much for sharing it with us today. And thank you too for sharing your beautiful word art. Gorgeous image with those stunning lilacs!!

    Reply
  7. Viv says

    June 11, 2013 at 11:02 am

    Beautiful Barb I love your style…. Thanks for the brush it’s lovely…

    Reply
  8. Tammy says

    June 11, 2013 at 12:56 pm

    Beautiful poem. Wonderful texturing!!

    Reply
  9. Patrice says

    June 11, 2013 at 4:30 pm

    Gorgeous photo!

    Reply
  10. Lori says

    June 11, 2013 at 5:25 pm

    I have had this poem in my book for years ~ when I used to have a journal and write poems myself ~ it has always been a favourite.

    Reply
  11. Robyn says

    June 11, 2013 at 6:10 pm

    Awesome poem! I am so glad you shared this, Barb. Lovely lilacs too,

    Reply
  12. Julia | JuliasAlbum.com says

    June 11, 2013 at 6:33 pm

    Gorgeous lilacs and beautiful poem! Love your inspiring posts!

    Reply
  13. Karla says

    June 12, 2013 at 12:02 pm

    Oh Barb,

    I truly like both the before and after….. I’m glad I don’t have to pick a favorite…. Great poem too as it also spoke to me, thanks for sharing such perfect words and images.

    Warm regards,
    Karla

    Reply
  14. nancyjean says

    June 12, 2013 at 8:59 pm

    oh i love your poem… your lilacs and even the planter! beautiful processing…

    Reply
  15. missing moments says

    June 13, 2013 at 7:52 am

    that is such a beautiful poem and isn’t it so true!

    Reply
  16. Pieces of Sunshine says

    June 14, 2013 at 3:37 am

    Wonderful quote Barb, the older we become the more the truths expressed here become apparent. Your photo is gorgeous – as always!

    Reply
  17. Earl says

    June 14, 2013 at 8:22 am

    Beautiful.

    Earl

    Reply
  18. Celine says

    May 12, 2017 at 6:50 am

    I hadn’t read this poem before Barb. It’s fabulous. I’m so glad you shared it.

    Reply
    • Barb says

      May 13, 2017 at 6:07 am

      Hi Celine! I’m so happy you enjoyed it! It’s one of my favourites!

      Reply

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Welcome! I'm Barb, and this is where I practice my mantra to "learn something new, try something different". It's my hope that something I do here may inspire you! Read More…

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