A Poem For Wednesday: You Learn

Love and Happiness

Acrylic and Mixed Media

Available on Etsy

This poem is one of my favorites. I came across an old box from high school while organizing our closet and saw it on the handout for our Graduation Mass back in 1997.  It still carries so much meaning.

You Learn

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 mid-flight.

After a while you learn...
That even sunshine burns if you get too much.

So you plant your 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 good-bye you learn.

Translation by Veronica A. Shoffstall

by Robert Burns.