Comes the Dawn by Julianna Rowe

             “Comes the Dawn”

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 at midnight. 

After awhile you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much.

So, you plant you 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 with every good-bye you learn. 

        Julianna Rowe
         (copied from unknown girlfriend  in my son’s paperwork) 2001