Comes the Dawn

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 understand
that kisses aren't contracts
and presents aren't promises.
And you begin to accept your defeats
with your head held high and your eyes open,
with the graces of a woman or man--
not the grief of a child.
And you learn to build all your roads on today
because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain.
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 else 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 good-bye you learn.

-Veronica A. Shoftstall
* Submitted by Paul Hunt