Comes the Dawn
After awhile 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 today
because
tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans.
And
futures have a way 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 learn and learn...
with
every goodbye you learn.
~Veronica
A. Shofstall~