Do you remember this poem? My friend Ellen gave me a burnt-edged copy of it in high school, and I’ve loved its simple profundity ever since.
Today’s a good day to read it again.
Comes The Dawn
by Veronica A. Shoffstall
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.
Wow that brought back memories. My mom gave me that poem in high school, and I hadn’t thought of it in years but I know it’s tucked away in my high school “keep” box.
Thank you for the reminder.
I hadn’t ever read this poem, but I LOVE it! I think it should be posted in my house and also in daughter’s room as she is at the right age for this. How great. Am printing it now…
I love you for posting this. Thank you.
I have never read that poem, but it is really lovely! Thank you so much for sharing it!
Beautiful.
thank you for posting this. so beautiful.
Wonderful poem. So beautifully done!
You have to go through a lot of pain and many “goodbyes” to be that wise.
If we could only learn by reading it!
Oh my, I’m 16 again. Forgot all about that poem!
Used to have that on my fridge. And I have passed it on to many. Glad you found it.
I can’t read this enough. I should print it and post it somewhere… but I just love coming to visit you. :)
I come by and read this every now and then. So glad you posted it when you did.