And You Learn...

Where I work, January is a crazy, crazy time. It's when we're supposed to plan, to set goals, to strategize. It's when we're expected to review, to rethink, to redefine. In short, it's when we take on roles as magicians, rocket scientists and statisticians. Whew!

I should be blogging. Instead the OC in me is wrapped up in the annual procurement plan. I should be going to the Valik Varsi thingy. Instead, I am glossing over photographs and memories and friendships of 20 years ago while nursing a bad back.

I forgo the usual post and the V reunion and post this instead, which pretty much sums up my mood of the moment:

And You Learn
Veronica A. Shoffstall

After awhile you learn
the subtle difference between
holding a hand and chaining a soul
and you learn that love doesn't mean possession
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 ahead
with the grace of an adult not the grief of a child.

And you learn to build roads today
because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans
and futures have ways 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
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 you learn...