Inspirational Poem for Women

[ruth]

I wanted to share this lovely poem I found many years ago shortly after my marriage of 17 years ended. I hung it on my bathroom wall and read it often. Many women who visited my home over the years commented on it and asked for copies for either themselves or a woman they knew; daughter, sister, mom. I think it's worthy of sharing with all the women in our lives. We could all do with a little reminding that we really can endure, are strong, and have worth.


AFTER A WHILE

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 awhile you learn that even sunshine
Burns if you get too much

So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul,
In stead 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.


Veronica Shoffstall 1971

 

[dixygirl]

Gosh reading that really makes me want to cry. It is so hard to be strong. It is a struggle. But some times it is our only choice.

Thank you so much for this poem to help us through.

 

[ruth]

Your welcome Dixygirl. These are such trying times right now with the economy and gas and food prices and many people facing difficult challenges. I thought it might be of use to many women. With the stress and pressures of trying to support their family getting to many men these days, we have to be strong for them sometimes too.

 

[SpottedCrow]

That IS beautiful Ruth...thanks for sharing.

 

[nccountrygirl]

That is so good. Thanks for sharing.

 

[PurpleChicken]

 

[seminolewind]

Quote:
Poor PC, here's a 2 ply tissue

 

[Sonia]

Thank you. I hope you don't mind but I sent this to my mother and my Aunt.