COMES THE DAWN

After a while you learn the subtle difference
between holding a hand and chaining a soul
and you learn that love does not mean security
and you learn that kisses aren't contracts and
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 now 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
that you really do have worth
and you learn and learn.
With every good bye you learn...

Written by: Veronica A. Shoffstall