Comes The Dawn

I took a class last Spring dealing with counseling women.  The Professor shared this poem with the class and I have been in love with it ever since.  The title alone reminds me that we always have a new day to look forward to.  Enjoy! ~ J.R.

Comes The Dawn by Veronica 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 possession and company doesn’t mean security, and loneliness is universal.

And you 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 of your hope on today, because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain, and futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.  Yet each step taken in a new direction creates a path towards the promise of a brighter dawn.

After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much.

So plant your own garden, and nourish 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 good-bye you learn.