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
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Comments (7)
meico
So sad ... the structure of your poem has the clever and appropriate appearance of a trackway of tears sliding slowly down your cheek. Yes, sad - but lovely too. Mike
TallPockets
Superbly written work!
mamabobbijo
Very sad and wistful, but lovely none the less. Thanks for sharing. BJ
DennisReed
So well expressed! So sad, but I think someone willing to give that much love, will love again
PhrankPower
I'm sure he does, if he has seen the real you.
Margana
Sigh...been there myself.I can't envy your pain but I can say that the old saying is true.It is better to have loved and lost,than never to have loved at all.Bittersweet is probably the best way to describe it...Anyway,wonderfully done,Leah.Gut-wrenchingly honest,and the 'choppy' style once again accents the aching rawness of your emotions most effectively.
busi2ness
I think this is a wonderful (but painful) sequel to the first "Seven days" poem. I could even sense the shallow breathing in your style.