Each morning we awaken to a new day – never knowing what joy or grief, gift or challenge may fill its hours. Recently my days include loss and sadness, yet in spite of that, each morning the sun pierces the darkness and each evening the sun melts in the horizon – both with magnificent displays of color. We’re not meant to coddle persistent worries. Like sunrise and sunset, insights illuminate our perspectives every day. After a while – however long it takes – life is our teacher and we learn.

AFTER A WHILE

After a while
you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul
and you learn 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 always promises
and you begin to accept 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 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
that you really are strong
and you really do have worth
and you learn and you learn
with every good-bye you learn. — Veronica A Shoffstall