I sang the next one to my kids constantly when they were growing up ....................
I love words - words have gotten me through some difficult times and they've lifted me up through times of great joy. Through painful separations and new beginnings - heartfelt hello's and heartbreaking good-byes.
And although there were some Valentine's days that I spent alone - I never felt alone, curled up on the couch with a book as my date. Sometimes words can replace roses and chocolates.
Easily.
I've carried the following poem in my wallet for 30 years now, when it get's too old and crumpled, I type it up again, carefully fold it and put it right back where it belongs.........John and I met when my children were young teenagers so there were years this poem touched my soul and even though he does in fact bring me flowers - I still plant my own garden................
Written by Veronica A. Shoffstall
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 fallling 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.
Hoping you have a heart filled day - curled up beside your better half - even if your better half is a glorious
word packed book
Much love
Sharing with:
Katherine's Corner The Charm of Home Common Ground
French Country Cottage Craftionary Oh My Heartsie
Shabby Art Boutique My Romantic Home One Artsy Mama
beautiful words now where is your picture saying these to John?-love dee x...
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Suzan, These are such beautiful words, if you don't mind I think I will write these down and keep as a reminder, that I must "plant my own garden".
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes
Daphne
'Morning Daphne - PLEASE DO - I'm so happy you love it as much as I do..................
DeleteHave a wonderful day!
XOX
Thank you for the lovely cards, Suzan, they're so soothing... I just fell in love with the one saying "You are my ocean"!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Suzan. After my trip last year, the "I dream of Paris and you" really resonates with me! ;^)
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine's day to you my friend!
Nicole
great photos, great great words... I enjoyed them <3
ReplyDeletehave a great day!
Beautiful sentiments. My love is away on business but did leave me a card and I'm told flowers are on the way. I'm fortunate to have had a second chance... second husbands are SO MUCH BETTER than first ones!
ReplyDeleteLovely words, lovely poem and lovely blog - on such a lovely day! hehe. I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day and thank you so much for visiting my blog (over at pictimilitude) through Katherine's Corner. Have a great Thursday.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Cyndi!!!
DeleteHugs,
Suzan
Oh- Suzan- We are SUCH kindred souls. I have that last bit "Comes The Dawn" laminated and carry it in my wallet, too. I have a copy in the front of my journal and in several places as a "marker". I remember all those songs, too. I have often felt I was a drifter off to see the world-----Happy Valentine's Day to you, my dear sweet (wacky) friend- xo Diana
ReplyDeleteWe never know what is around the next corner. If it's something good, it will be all the better for having nurtured personal growth. If it's something bad, it will be easier to handle if you've taken the time to "plant your own garden". I absolutely agree that you are never alone when you love books! Happy Valentine's day!
ReplyDeleteLOVE that poem! It kinda speaks to exactly where I'm at. Happy Valentines Day to you. xo
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Debby - I love that poem too..................
DeletePlant a garden!
Hugs,
Suzan
My dear Suzan,
ReplyDeleteYour post today expresses thoughts that have been occupying my mind recently. Apart from all the famous novels and plays and poems I HAD to read (don't get me wrong - some were unforgettable), to obtain my Enlgish Literature degree, nowadays, I tend to favour the words of my fellow bloggers, a handful of talented journalists, and believe it or not, a few funny folks, for my reading pleasure. And on that note, the poem you featured today on your wonderful blog represents a wisdom and beauty that is expressed and understood, on occasion, in conversations with oneself, a deep discussion felt by the heart and the soul of one's being.
Happy Valentine's Day,
Poppy xo
Love your poem. So very touching. Happy Valentine's Day
ReplyDeleteYour poem just touched me, thank you so much for sharing it! Hope you're having a wonderful VALENTINE'S DAY! Thank you for your sweet and kind visit.
ReplyDeleteLOVE,
FABBY
Beautiful words from a beautiful heart, Suzan. Your poem should be written down for all of us who have been alone and gotten back up to discover the joy of love later on in life (I'm lucky to be one of them).
ReplyDeleteHappy V Day my friend. Hope you and John have a wonderful evening.
Hi Heather!!!
DeleteHow was the wedding?
XOX
Such a sweet sentiment for this day for love.
ReplyDeleteAww, Suzan, the poem. First I was excited by all the music... and then 'Welcome to my World...won't you come on in' was up there and I couldn't believe someone even knew that song (love that whole era of music), so I was excited again. And then the poem. Every person reading it has to be able to relate to that poem. I just love it.
ReplyDeleteYou may have sung it to you kids, but that song gets me choked up every time I hear it thinking of my husband. I really should turn that one into a sign, think I'll pin it for inspiration.
ReplyDeleteBliss
Awwww....love it all Suzan, but that poem.....oh my! I really love that! And...I adore you! Happy Valentines Day friend!
ReplyDeleteLove that poem... just beautiful! Got a hot date with a book, hubby's working late, but have a little late candlelight planned later! Happy Valentines Day sweetie!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Pendra
what a lovely poetic perspective!! seems like a valentine!
ReplyDeleteThanks Annmarie - that old saying - you must love yourself first, right?
DeleteXOX
I too copied that same poem several years ago and reread it whenever I need a reminder to plant my own garden. Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Steph! I just love the message those words convey!!!
DeleteHugs,
Suzan
love the poem and the pictures. Happy Valentines to you and the Mr.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love that poem Suzan. So perfect!!
ReplyDeleteA lovely poem. I spent Valentine's Day with my Mom. Happy Valentine's Day!!
ReplyDeleteSo pretty! Found you on Thursday Favorite Things and I would love to invite you over to The Creative HomeAcre Hop today!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2013/02/the-creative-homeacre-hop-3.html