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...
© 1971 Veronica A. Shoffstall
Comments (6)
meico
Both the structure and the word-choice in this piece are outstanding. A lovely touching love song indeed!
PhrankPower
Beautiful. Must seem like Seven years.
Storm9167
Nice poem, and I'll leave it at that!!
mamabobbijo
Lovely words! Well spoken. Thanks for sharing. BJ
TallPockets
SO well written!!
DreamweaverNZ
Reminds me of the old hit song "Seven Lonely Days" .... You given us a superb piece of writing ... ful of emotion. Thank you Sammy