Comes the Dawn- A poem by Veronica Shorffstall

After a while you learn the subtle difference

between holding a hand and chaining a soul.

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 you learn

with every goodbye you learn

that with every new tomorrow

comes the dawn.

1971 by Veronica A. Shorffstall