I first read this either in Dear Abby or Ann Landers, back when our daughter was still living at home with us (twenty years ago or more?). It has always touched my soul.
After A While
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 always 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 ahead
with the grace of 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
you really are strong
you really do have worth
and you learn
and you learn
with every goodbye, you learn...
9 comments:
boy isn't that the truth.... I never saw this before and I always read ann landers.... but usually dear abby wasn't in our paper. Thanks for sharing. Sandra
Thanks Donna...this is a keeper.....Hugs from Ky....Ora
that is neat to read; thanks Mosie
betty
that is neat to read; thanks Mosie
betty
Yes I've learned to pick my own flowers. Paula
love that
I remember my mom giving me a clipping of that
Marti
I remember this.. It touched me also.. Thank you for reprinting it, and reminding me of it. I printed it out to show my daughter..
Jackie
This really is beautiful. I had never read it before. Thank you for sharing.
Lori
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