Saturday, June 03, 2006

And Then 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 on 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.
That you really do have worth.
And you learn and learn...
With every goodbye...
you learn.

© Veronica A. Shoffstall

2 Comments:

Blogger ms. jared said...

"'so plant your own garden and decorate your own soul."

i especially like that part. this is a really beautiful piece. thank you for posting it.

xoxo, jared

11:37 PM  
Blogger gentle spirit said...

Yes, that is my favorite part too! A good friend sent this to me as encouragement for making my way through some difficult times. I'm glad you liked it so much that you included it in your blog too!

2:43 PM  

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