You Learn What You Need to Learn - After Awhile
December 18, 2008
I've written about this before, but it seems so appropriate now, that I decided to repeat it. This poem comes from an Ann Landers column that I have saved for probably 30 years. I guess that dates me, but everyone already knows I'm 50+ going on 40.
As you read, I hope you will embrace the message that "after awhile" you learn what's good and right, and what isn't. Being in today, focused on the best you have to give, and offering it without expectation of anything back, is good and right. You know what isn't right.
After Awhile by Veronica A. Shoffstall
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 always mean security.
And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts
and 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 a 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 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 you learn,
with every goodbye, you learn.
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