The past few months we have presented several topics via our new Zoom seminars. From Heart Wounds and Rose Alchemy in September, to the Three Faces of the Divine Feminine throughout October and just last week, we looked at Navigating Transitions and Loss. All very powerful topics and attended by the most amazing women who were willing to share their stories, opinions and concern for each other. So, you can imagine my absolute surprise when last week, a client presented me with a poem that she discovered when she was quite young and has used it ever since to help her soldier on with life, love and healing. As I read over the poem, I was immediately struck with how the Universe presents what is needed at the exact moment it is required! Life Lessons for everyone!
The poem ties together many of the lessons in life that make us stronger, wiser and magnificent. There is some dispute about the actual author and origin date of this piece, although most authorities point to Veronica A. Shoffstall as the author and 1971 as its origin. There will be some who claim it was written by Judith Evans in the 1980’s or by Jorge Luis Borges in the 1940’s who wrote a Spanish poem entitled, “Aprendiendo” and from which this poem is said to originate. I am not going to judge who did or did not write this poem. All I will say is that I’m thrilled that it was written and shared with others! The title of the poem I received is, “After a While”. It has also been called, “You Learn” and “Comes the Dawn”. Choose the title that works for you! The message is e same.
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 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 good-bye … you learn.