Poem of the Day

After awhile 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 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,
And 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 awhile 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 learn.. .

With every goodbye you learn. 

— Veronica Shoffstall