Theme of the Women's Center
As adapted from a poem by Veronica Shofstall

Comes the Dawn

After awhile
you learn the subtle differences
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 learn to build all your roads on today
because tomorrow's ground
is too uncertain for plans,

and futures have a way
of failing in mid-flight.

After awhile you learn
that 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. .