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
and your eyes open 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
midflight.
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 learn
...
With every goodbye you
learn.
By Veronica A. Shoffstall ~
Mamma,
ReplyDeleteWhat a moving poem. It's words are powerfully profound. I know how we both relate to this, in both similar and different ways. Waiting for the "world" to identify each of us as a person of significance is waiting for something that will never occur, and all the meanwhile, life passes us by. We can't wait for another person, thing, or idea to deem us as worthy to be thought of. We are intrinsically worthy because we have God's love, and are His daughters.
Stepping out and taking your own flight is challenging. I know you've already grown from the "first flap of your wings." I'm proud of you!
I love you!
Love,
Your Baby Girl
"With every good bye..."
ReplyDeleteI think you've utilized this poets point well, Mamma. It is true too. Choosing to say goodbye to a world of endless lies, people, places, and ideas..it changes you, making you more self-reliant. I like that part of the poem.
Saying goodbye isn't always a bad thing. It makes us stronger, though it may be hard. Right?
~baby girl
Beautiful! And so true. I loved this writing! Thank you for posting it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for leaving a comment on my blog! I woke up this morning with some additional "thoughts" regarding my post and added those in this morning after your "visit".
I'm so thankful for His abundant Grace!
Have a blessed day!
Oh!!!! Angela!!! Finally we meet! You have been leaving the sweetest comments on my blog for quite some time! I appreciate it! and YOU! I will be adding your blog to my favorites! Where in Northern California are you??? This poem is LOVELY!
ReplyDeleteThis was a beautiful piece to read. It has given me a bunch of inspiration! I am glad you now have a blog too!
ReplyDeleteMmmmm this was yummy and your picture is beautiful...just like you ;-)
ReplyDeleteXOXO D
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ReplyDeleteWow...beautiful & moving words...profoundly true. Sometimes it is only in hindsight that we realize that we have endured, we have survived and that we have, in fact, succeeded.
ReplyDeleteJust Beautiful!
yes. all i can say to this is "yes!" because i am left speechless at the wisdom, beauty and truth to these words.
ReplyDeletelove to you,
boho sis
Oh, wow! I used to have this poem up on my wall many years ago. I never did know who wrote it. Thank you so much for sharing it with us :)
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Suze xXx
I saw this poem a few months ago for the first time ~ I can't even remember where except that it was online and it moved me enough to print it out so I could keep a copy to read from time to time. This holds such powerful meaning for me.
ReplyDeleteSaying "goodbye," whether to people or things or places, is never easy, but sometimes that's what it takes to loosen the "bowstrings" mentioned in a previous post. Sometimes that is how we discover our own strength and worth.