A Poem with an Intriguing Backstory

April is National Poetry Month, a month set aside to honor poetry and its vital place in our society. First celebrated in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets, this event has grown into a national movement that inspires millions, from the youngest children to the oldest readers. All forms of poetry from sonnets and romantic ballads to haiku and limericks to free verse are shared throughout the month.

Today, I am sharing one of my favorite poems, “Comes the Dawn.” I recall first seeing this poem in the early 1970s. At the time, the poet was Unknown. Since then, I have learned that several poets have been credited with creating this inspiring poem.

It is most often attributed to “Veronica A. Shoffstall” (1952 – 2024), a woman who served with distinction at the Baha’i International Community’s United Nations Office and Office of Public Information in New York. It appeared in her college yearbook in 1971.

Other backstories have emerged. A popular one attributes the poem to Jorge Luis Borges (1899 – 1986). It is the first half of a longer poem entitled “Aprendiendo.” Regarded as a key figure in Spanish-language and international literature, Borges was an Argentine short-story writer, essayist, poet, and translator.

The poem has been shared with other titles, among them “After A While,” “You Learn,” and “Despues de Un Tiempo.” The layout of the poem also varies from a series of two-line verses to various free-verse structures.

On a whim, I turned to ChatGPT and received the following response to my query:

“Comes the Dawn” is a beautiful poem that is often attributed to Veronica A. Shoffstall, although there is some debate about its origin. The poem speaks to the idea of resilience, growth, and moving forward after experiencing challenges or hardships.

The poem resonates with many people because it captures the essence of personal growth and empowerment through life’s trials and tribulations. It encourages self-reliance, resilience, and the understanding that endings can also be opportunities for new beginnings. While the specific backstory behind the poem’s creation remains somewhat elusive, its message has touched countless hearts over the years.

Without any further ado…Here’s the poem:

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 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 goodbye you learn.

You can listen to the Spanish version here.

Do you have a favorite poem? Please share in the comments.

Where to find Joanne Guidoccio…

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