Comes the Dawn
by Veronica A. Shorffstall (1971)

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 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 high
and your eyes ahead
with the grace of a woman
and 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 the middle of 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,
that you really are strong,
and you really do have worth.

And you learn and you learn....
with every good-bye
you learn...

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