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 always 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 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
you really are strong
you really do have worth
and you learn
and you learn
with every goodbye, you learn…
After a while – Veronica A. Shoffstall
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Nermeena 
I did read it with a big smile
as u were sending a message to me 🙂
Thank you
INTERESTING..you know what; I was actually cleaning up my mailbox and I found it..felt like it is a message addressed to me, it hit a nerve keda..and the timing could ‘ve never been better. I read it and post with a big smile bardo. Pleasure.
thanks for sharing,
I especially liked the part:
“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.”
nerro… love this one
Nousha: you are welcome 😀
Blue: I love this part awi kaman
I liked what you wrote and it mirrors your inner beauty and sensitivity to life circumstances.
all the best.. 🙂
[…] After a while – Veronica A. Shoffstall […]
I would really like someone to explain this poem to me. I wish I could understand it. My good friends received it and do not know what to make of it, and it seems I cannot help. Please?
I know and admire Ms. Shoffstalls work. To me, personally, in all the love and loss I have endured, transcended and ultimately benefitted from the experiences of; it represents the loss of the child-like innocence we cling to and the transition that opens our eyes to in part, that we live and love with no guarantees and in doing so step by painful step we begin to realize the possibilities of our own self-worth. We proceed with a different sense of passion and purpose; a bit older, wiser – battered but not broken. Wounded but wiser.
One of my own works (inspired by the gift of Ms. Shoffstall) after the break up of my marriage of 24 years, I wrote, in part “Snow white is really dead; and Cinderella still sweeps cinders as there is no prince to wed.” My efforts pale in comparison to hers; I am older, wiser, and crippled due to the negligence of another uninsured driver.
The one love in my life is reading and appreciating the contributions of works by others. There are some questions I would love to ask her, if I could and had an opportunity to:
You wrote this compelling work at the tender age (to me it seems) of 19. What brought forth such an incredible work. What event or evolution inspired you, so young, to bring forth something from the obvious pain and triumph of your very soul and spirit.
Have you written any works since then that are published and could be shared. If so, what are the names of the books or works and what is the possibility that an older and wiser crippled lady could obtain an autographed copy. I am a collector and would treasure the possibility of this to add to my extensive collection that will be passed on to friends and family deserving of same.
Kindest regards, J. Crista Perry
cristaperry517@yahoo.com
i first read this when i was 19; i was amazed. thought i was mature to understand all the meanings at that young age myself.
years later, i stumbled on it again, and it hit me so hard that it is so unbelievingly true!
‘Life in a nutshell’ i call it 🙂
it sure is 🙂
Amazing!
I cry everytime when I read this poem
THIS IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL POEM I HAVE EVER READ, SO MUCH THAT IT ALMOST HAUNTS ME ( ESP ON THE DARK DAYS OF MY ALMOST 25 YR OLD MARRIAGE)
THANK YOU VERONICA 🙂
I’ve been through a 42 year old marriage and now divorced. I thought I had well understood this poem as it was introduced to me in the early 90’s (I think)— and thought of my mother countless times. My mother hd been divorced in the 50’s and lived a life of success, independence, and lonliness. Now that I have the “opportunity to be like my independent mother,” I wonder if I really wish to do the “decorating of my own soul.” In a dysfuntional marriage with a sweet alcoholic, I met another—who perhas wishes to help “decorate my soul.” I never thought soul mates existed! Am I smitten into thinking something stupid. The most recent realtionship has been going on for well over a year—and I’m scared–I wish to be my own stable, independent self—and I’m having a very hard time! Thanks–Gloria
after a while is really an intesting pem hat learn to let go
isn’t this a poem by Jorge Luis Borges???
This poem is absolutely beautiful even in its clear and ever present reality of life as we all know it. This is one of my favorite poems of all time.
I love this poem and have loved it for years, but I just found out that she plagiarized this in the 70s. She just translated it off of Jorge Luis Borges’ “Despues de Tiempo.”
http://emanix.livejournal.com/25090.html
I just recently read “AFTER A WHILE” from an assosictae, and I feel in LOVE. So much meaning, SO MUCH EVERYTHING!!!! I would love to hear her in person.
no comments.. ❤
A lovely poem about love. understanding love and knowing that you have to depend on yourself first before letting anyone else into your life. (remember in the airplane when they say: help yourself first with the oxygen mask, before helping your children) Understanding that with every goodbye, with every relationship (love/ friendship…it does not matter what kind of relationship) coming to an end, it is time for you to learn from the mistakes, but also from the good memories of that relationship. saying goodbye leaves you with a choice to learn about yourself, about life and about the choices you make…it thus opens doors for new relationships which you are supposed to do better…you are still allowed to make mistakes, but only new ones…not the ones you have already made.
I thot this poem had to do with bad relationships, abused women, etc. Words of encouragement to/for abused women.
I found an old typewriter copy of this poem but it was named “Comes the Dawn” and there was no author listed. I give creidt to the original author, whomever that is.
Thank you for the insight and beautiful poem.
I too, found this poem, which was entitled “Comes the Dawn”, at least 25 years ago, as I was getting past a troubled marriage and attempting to move on. It struck a deep chord with me, and it’s wisdom gave me the courage and strength to make a new and better life for myself and 5 children. It has been a mantra ever since, and I have used it as a teaching tool for my children, grandchildren and other young relatives and friends. I don’t think there was an author noted on the copy I saw so long ago, and I’ve always credited “Anonymous”. I hope that whomever authored it knows how many untold people it has encouraged and comforted and taught. It is sound, gentle and strong advice for anyone.
We need to be very patient while doing any work..should never get excessive feeling of any kind. And should try to avoid things which we no would hurt us later…! this is wat I learnd from this poem…
I think it’s dreadful, sentimental rubbish, and to make it worse, for some reason online it’s often attributed to Shakespeare, probably started as a joke to see who be daft enough to believe he could possibly have written it .
[…] ¡no se vayan todavía, que aún hay más! Resulta que también circula una versión en inglés a la que le faltan todos esos evidentes añadidos. ¿Se trata del origen del hoax? No sería […]
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your
sites really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back in the future. All the best
The poem streches every string of my heart and when it releases it.. it takes away all my sorrows along with it. A comment above mentions the age of the author to b 19. Its commendable to learn that talent can not be barred by anythng. Wonderful work, stay blessed.
I remember the day when i read this poem in our school curricula. i was in 8th grade. 10 year ago. in spite being so young, i could not forget even a line of this poem… and i really understood, every good bye teaches you very much…
What a haunting beautiful poem.
[…] After a while – Veronica A. Shoffstall […]
[…] After a while – Veronica A. Shoffstall […]
What I think about the controversy over the authorship of the poem After a while (With time … or moments), signed by Veronica – Veronica A. Shoffstall and attributed to J. L. Borges, is that really the poem was written and published by Veronica in 1971 and then, at a later time by Borges translated into Spanish. A stylistic analysis can prove this statement, because the style of Borges has nothing to do with the poem quoted.
My wife, whom is the child of a father who abandoned her at 11 months, raised by alcoholic mom and step-dad, suffered through a divorce at 13, sent this to me this morning. While I cannot not imagine the pain she feels, I cannot give into letting her go on her own. We have 4 kids and 18 years of marriage to just give up for her own independence. Though I know about her 2 affairs over the past 2 1/2 years, I have a Heavenly Father who has forgiven me for my sins, and has taught me to forgive her. Not condone or forget, but to forgive. While we need to be healthy as individuals and as a couple, we need to accept we were not created to be on this earth alone. We need our spouses and friends to help us cope with life. As the poem says, there are no guarantees for the future, but I believe you yoke together and press on and pick each other up.
[…] ❤ […]
[…] – Veronica A. Shoffstall […]
Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the images
on this blog loading? I’m trying to determine if its a
problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any suggestions would be greatly
appreciated.
Anyone who could think a 19 year old girl would have the life experience to be able to objectively comment on a subject so complex as this, needs to get a clue. Obviously, she is encouraging other women to take the easy way out when relationships become difficult or demand personal sacrifice. Relationships are compromise, but should always be based on love, mutual respect, honesty, and communication. Yes, I agree everyone, especially women, should be strong and independent, while approaching all relationships with cautious optimism, but to not have the courage to make plans for the future is just being cowardly and pathetically affraid. Yes, to live is to take chances, and sometimes those chances don’t turn out the way we might hope, but to not take that chance is to not live at all. This poor girl of 19 sounds like she was in a bad relationship and rather than examine the causes that led to it’s demise, she hides behind the misdirected solice of substituting security for actually being alive.
secure, but lonely
[…] After a while – Veronica A. Shoffstall […]
Reblogged this on Neşe Rüzgarı and commented:
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http://nofilmschool.com/2012/05/the-division-of-gravity-short-film/
http://nofilmschool.com/2012/05/the-division-of-gravity-short-film/
best video/poem montage together, ever.
.kindly recast on “too uncertain . . . .brings you flowers” i dont get the point please 🙂
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I first read this poem around 1985, the year my husband died. Amazingly, it helped me through a very rough time in my life, and I soon fell in love with a man, who also has since left me, and I rediscovered this poem again, read it all the time, and have come to know it by heart. I love the message it gives me, and the strength I have gotten from reading it over and over.
I will never forget it…
Gloria
Planting my garden now ❤
The original poem was written by Argentine poet Jorge Luis Borges. Someone translated it to English and claimed it as their own. Someone else changed a few words and claimed it as their own work.
The original poem is called Despues de un Tiempo. It’s easy enough to investigate.
I read this poem at my husband’s funeral and would like to include it in a book I am writing. To do so I am told I need written permission from the Author, which is in question. Can someone help me obtain written persmisson
Oops, typo error above, sorry
Reblogged this on foreverdreamingoflove and commented:
Just Wow!
Reblogged this on Little Anna B (Anna Bianca).
[…] found on a blog https://nerro.wordpress.com/2007/05/06/after-a-while-veronica-a-shoffstall/ […]
Reblogged this on teamchildrenbabymassage.
Reblogged this on Strange Encounters and commented:
One of my favorite poems of all times. Just remembering it now that I have a new boyfriend and trying to trust him with all my heart, but been down too many roads that lead to heartbreak and pains me to realize in subtle ways I’m broken.
Hello, Does anybody know where I can get a bio. of Veronica A. Shoffstall? I have been trying to contact her directly by email but every email I find comes back “undeliverable.” What does she look like anyway? My name is Virginia Rodriguez and I am the author of Comes the Dawn. My poem was never titled After Awhile nor were the words Comes the Dawn ever part of the verse, as Veronica stated to someone who questioned the title. I have my original copy still attached in my Mead Composition notebook with edit marks because it was still a work in progress. I am 59 years old and live in Tooele, Utah. I have written a letter to Veronica and would like to send it to her personally. The letter tells the story of how she may have come across my poem. I believe in truth and wonder if she does. Truth to her readers.
It’s nearly 7:00 p.m. here in the States. Didn’t think about the time difference.
Hello again. Still trying to find a legitimate email address for Veronica A. Shoffstall, and a picture of her. virginiarod77@gmail.com or virginiarod77.wordpress.com
You mean by “JORGE LUIS BORGES”.
Theft. Shame on Veronica A. Shoffstall
No. I wrote the poem, Comes The Dawn. I don’t know enough Spanish to have translated from Jorge Luis Borges, nor have I read his poem. I found Veronica A. Shoffstall on facebook and informed her who I was, I asked to befriend her on facebook so we could chat and she has not excepted my request, nor will she respond in any other manner, I have given her my personal cell number. To those who are interested I plan to post the original poem on virginiarod77.wordpress.com or on facebook, Virginia Rodriguez (Bimbe) nickname. As I say to Veronica, I believe in Truth To My Readers, Do you?
I have also written Ms. Shoffstall a letter that will be posted. If you type her name on face book you will find a letter she has written to defend her authorship of Comes the Dawn some time back, though she changed the title to After A While, after she claimed to be the author and the poem was already out as Comes The Dawn as that is my original title. She tells the story right there as to how she came to claim the poem. You will need to scroll almost to the bottom of the page. You can do this without being a face book friend.
Update: Ms. Shoffstall blocked me from her face book page. No reply as of date.
I’d been looking as to who wrote this poem after I found a very old copy all yellow and tattered which appears to have been typed on a typewriter.. It was titled “Comes The Dawn”. I like the poem very much, and I am pleased to have found it on your page.
Hello Brianna Marie,
I am very humbled at the likes of my poem by you and many others. Comes The Dawn was written at a time of a pending divorce due to domestic violence, which eventually happened. Why Veronica A. Shoffstall continues to claim authorship is difficult for me to understand. I don’t know why a writer would want to steal a works which is not their own. The word steal is harsh, however it is what it is. As I wrote to Ms. Shoffstall, “life is not easy,it takes a lot of hard work and honesty. I believe in truth to my readers do you?”
None of this has anything to do with money, but only the truth.
If you are interested in reading more of my poems I recently started a blog on wordpress, virginiarodriguez.77@wordpress.com and plan to post the original writing of Comes The Dawn, with edit marks included as it was actually a work in progress, along with a letter I wrote to Ms. Shoffstall, with no response. I am fairly new at the blogging scene and am not to good at it but will post as soon as I figure out how to attach.
Hello, thank you for liking my poem, yes the original title is Comes the Dawn, and I am the true author, not Veronica Shoffstall. I have asked her to contact me to no avail. I even gave her my phone number on Facebook, however she refused my friend request. This poem was written from a marriage of abuse and my heart felt defeat of a second divorce. My name is Virginia Rodriguez and I’m from Tooele , Utah.
Is this woman claiming she wrote this in 2007?
Virginia when did you write it? Because I know for a fact she didn’t in 2007. I found it in my sons notebook, after one of his suicide attempts. I never knew if he wrote it or copied it, I assumed he had because it was in his notebook where he wrote his own poetry. A notebook I still have, and is from back far longer than 2007. So regardless to who wrote it, the notebook proves it was written long before the 2007 date when she published it. His notebook does contains dates. SO if you are the true author, and not my son I just may have the evidence needed.
Hello Myra,
I hope your son found hope with Comes The Dawn. I first learned my poem was out there on October 13 ,2003, however I had attended a writer’s conference in Taos, New Mexico in 2002 and had the poem in my book bag at that time but am certain I had written it late 90s. I have to be honest I didn’t date the page. Also my original has always been Comes The Dawn and not After A While as Ms. Shoffstall changed the title. She tries to defend authorship by writing on her Facebook page that her mother read Ann Landers column asking if the author of Comes The Dawn to come forward, as it was out there as author unknown so she claimed the poem as her own. There has been an on going controversy as to who the true author is, and believe me I believe in truth to my readers and would never steal another writers work. Plus readers know a writer’s voice and those who know her know Comes The Dawn is not her voice. She posted something to the fact that she would have never titled it that and she doesn’t know how it got that name.
Hello again Myra, my post showed me as anonymous. It’s Virginia Rodriguez replying to your post.,
Virginia- you say you wrote it in the 90’s? Hasn’t it been published long before that? I thought it was sent to Dear Abby in the ’70’s but perhaps that source purposely wanted to add to the mystery.
Many people believe it was written by Jorge Borges because of a mashup someone made of this poem plus a lot of lines added to it. The man was much more talented than what the hoaxer wrote. People believe anything on the internet. Many people laughably believe it’s Shakespeare but they’re people who aren’t familiar with his work. I’m following the breadcrumbs, it’s going to bother me until I learn definitably who the author is 🙂
I mean definitively ;-P
Yeah it was ’96, not ’71.the Dear Abby letter.
How did you verify that it was ’96, and not ’71? The Dear Abby Letter. I had written to the publisher of Dear Abby, with no response.
Keep following the breadcrumbs! Thanks, Virginia
Hi Virginia,
I’m sorry but I’ve already forgotten, lol. I suppose I could go thru my history if my automatic cleaner app hasn’t deleted it yet. (I’m using my android phone) I’m always finding interesting things to read about online 🙂 It can get so frustrating sometimes with people mistakenly quoting lies and mistakes. I do it, too. You wouldn’t believe how many people are convinced it’s Shakespeare that wrote the poem and it’s so hard to convince them they’re mistaken because they’ve found so many sources saying otherwise. They speak with authority, unbelievable- because they don’t even know his style. It’s comical but it’s actually a sad commentary on — oh, gullibility, mistaken faith in the infallibility of the internet, people being too lazy to want to check their sources, too embarrassed to admit they’re wrong. But I’m an old fogie I think though, lol- I’m embarrassed when I make a mistake. (I have a little bit of pride left lol 🙂
Ok, thank you for the comment, goodnight
>^-.-^<
This is a Jorge Luis Borges Quote
I love love love this poem. My mother put it on a card to me after a terrible breakup. I really touched my heart and put me on the right track. Not sure exactly what the background of this poem is but my mom interpreted it as a perfect gift after a heartbreak.
My college roommate broke up with her boyfriend and went to her room and wrote this poem. I have the original typewritten copy that dates from 1966. Lynn was very talented and all her poems were powerful. The author who claims she wrote it in 1971 is to be questioned.
Now I’m on a quest..
Wow. I cannot believe the controversy. I wrote it in 1984 when I was 17. The origional is in my lock box. Veronica has been confronted in 2004 about it and I forgave her. Her efforts and her version made it possible for peole to be blessed by it. If it was up to me, it would be in my lockbox along with my other poetry. The origional version can be viewed in Chicken Soup For Your Soul 2nd Ed. But I only gave one copy away to the young man who hurt me so I really do not know how it got out. I am just sooooo pleased it has helped so many people. Honestly, like my other poems, I believe God gave me the words so He is the author. God Bless you all. Believe Jesus and you will one day learn….Truth!.
These words make me feel comforted.
I’m beyond fascinated by this! I have had this poem on a plastic Hallmark plaque since 1985 (as u can see in the lower right corner but I can’t paste the pic here) and it still sits on my desk at work. After the death of my husband at only 39 from a 10 year battle with cancer in 1994 I learned that he carried the same poem with him in his wallet to give him strength to fight his battle, never knowing that at work everyday it was strengthening me at the same time. So we know it can’t have been written in the late 90’s and here I join in the search to unravel the mystery in the pursuit of thanking the author who offered so many the strength to endure and carry on. I will b happy to forward the pic if u email me @ millsgordon@live.com.
Why would you forgive Veronica A. Shoffstall or anybody else for stealing your work. It’s about truth. I have no reason to deceive my audience nor would it ever cross my mind. Morals are what matter here, and if an author thinks it’s okay to claim another authors work as their own…I find that offensive and disrespectful to all writers. Where is the glory in claiming that which is not yours? Apparently Veronica Shoffstall doesn’t want to face the truth, I have tried numerous ways to make contact with her and she refuses to acknowledge me. Blocked me on her face book page when I introduced myself as the true author of Comes The Dawn. The poem was never titled After A While. When she first claimed to be the author it was Comes The Dawn then she later referenced that, that was a title it just picked up a long the way because she would have never given it such a “flatulent” title. Not true, that is the title I gave it and my original hand written copy shows this. For those who place Comes The Dawn in the same category as Jorge Luis Borges or even Shakespeare, what an honor!
I remember this any chance you know where the real writer is
I heard that saying before you know who’s the original writer of this isI
I guess we will never know the true Authour I guess he / she ‘s dead know ,, many thanks to him /her
🙂 🙂
Hello, My name is Virginia Rodriguez. I’m from Tooele, Utah and I am the true author of Comes The Dawn, aka After A While. I have posted a copy of my original hand written copy on my face book page. I also have tried to no avail to contact Veronica A. Shoffstall who claims to be the author. I requested to be her friend on her face book page; however when I introduced myself as the true author of Comes the Dawn, she blocked me. I have also written her a letter but don’t know where to send it. At the end of my correspondence to her I write, “I believe in truth to my readers, do you”?
I will soon be 60 and know Ms. Shoffstall is just a bit older. I’m not on this blog to convince anybody as to who I am. I know who I am and want nothing more than to let my readers know the truth. Each time I read a comment by someone thanking Ms. Shoffstall and pouring their hearts out to her, it makes me sad. The thought of how she continues to deceive her fans.
I was raised in a single parent home by my mother and 10 siblings, with a high moral standard for telling the truth. To tell you a little bit about myself, I have three sons and 16 grandchildren. I am a runner and a writer. I have run 7 marathons, currently training for my 8th,(with hopes to qualify for Boston.) In my letter to Ms. Shoffstall I actually compare her to the infamous Rosie Ruiz who cheated and claimed to be the winner in the female category for the 84th Boston Marathon in 1980, only to have her title stripped eight days later when it was discovered that she had not run the entire course. Just like Ms. Shoffstall, she did not run the entire course.
My poem Feathers took 1st Place in the first Latino/a Poetry Art Contest at the Kimball Arts Center in Park City, Utah in 2005. You can see my original copy Of Comes the Dawn on my face book page. Ms. Shoffstall went to great lengths to change the title even after claiming it as Comes the Dawn. That is where the confusion takes place leaving readers to ask the question, “where did the title Comes the Dawn come from”? You will also see my edit marks as it was still a work in progress. I have been contacted by a publisher/author in New York City who is interested in my story. How ironic, Ms. Shoffstall is from New York. Or is it?
Virginia Rodriguez
I wish someone would straighten this out. This poem helped me so much and never left my memory as I said it over and over so I would stop crying and obsessing. I like to reprint it on a photograph . Perhaps sell it, but mostly leave it for another broken heart.
This is exactly what I mean. This so called controversy has been going on way too long. Because I am the true author, I feel an obligation to my readers. This is what I say to Ms. Shoffstall in the letter I have written her, “after all these years I decided to let it be but those who know me well know the warrior gene I possess for justice so with that I feel I owe it to your readers who deserve the truth. If there were not an once of suspicion, (as to who the true author is) the chat lines of doubt would not exist.”
I am truly honored that Comes The Dawn has made a positive difference in so many lives and especially yours. The words came from my broken heart, but also from my conscious decision to begin to understand that I am responsible for my own happiness. It is not another human beings obligation to make me happy. When life gets hurtful you find the positive, even if it means digging.
Virginia Rodriguez
Ok, I am still confused. Who is the legal writer of this poem. I want to request a reprint
Lin Troski
lday54@live.com
As I said, I am the legal writer of Comes The Dawn. Please find attached a copy of my poem on virginiarod77.wordpress.com. As well as other poetry I have written. I will also try to attach a copy of my hand written original to you. Not certain I can do that from this site.
I give you permission to print Comes The Dawn from virginiarod77.wordpress.com
I believe in truth to my readers, do you?
Also I have a copy of my original hand written copy of Comes The Dawn on my face book page.
virginiarod77 , you mention you wrote it in the “late 90s” but I know for certain I received it in a store-bought card in 1988, given to me by my college roommate. It meant a lot to me, as at the time I was having difficulty adjusting to college, and that is the only year she was my roommate, so I am certain of that date. Others in this comments section have mentioned seeing it even earlier (in the 70s and early 80s). I looked on Veronica Shoffstall’s Facebook and she mentioned it was even published in a yearbook in 1972! I looked on your Facebook page but didn’t see any handwritten copy (maybe you need to change the privacy settings…), but that would only prove that you wrote it by hand, not that you created it–especially if it was indeed in the “late 90s”. So perhaps you read it previously and it resonated with you also, not remembering you had read it earlier?
As V.Shoffstall mentioned in her Facebook post, Ann Landers mentions it in her column December 15, 1982, again, not the late 90s. You can google it too.
https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/1946077/
some 15 years back I read this poem in the notice board of Bangalore university while dropping my daughter there. thanks to google for enable me to get this now, it’s a wonderful piece of reality to be feel in every one’s life.
I found this poem back 1997 while I was at Hazelton in Center City MI… Going through a divorce, trying to get sober & leaving a physical & verbal abusive relationship…For years believing I was never good enough, didn’t quite measure up… This single poem stayed with me no matter where I was. Years later I gave it to my daughter to give her strength in herself & selfworth… For different reasons though… Thanks for writing it & helping to remind me I was/ am strong & can do just about anything I put my mind to!!!
That’s exactly where Comes The Dawn was written from, my broken heart. Happy to know that it has helped you and so many others in a time of darkness and the unknown.
Virginia Rodriguez
Author of Comes The Dawn
Tooele, Utah
This is all quite intriguing and highly entertaining. A woman, Veronica A. Shoffstall, claims she wrote this poem when she was 19, in 1971; a highly unlikely case that a teenage girl would refer to herself as a woman, “With the grace of a woman not the grief of a child” or that she would have the wisdom that is acquired with decades of life experience. Equally illogical is that she would not publish it nor make any sort of copyright claim until 20 years later, and that somehow in between that time, the poem would become well-known and even published in a craft store in Minneapolis in 1982 and cited as anonymous. Highly entertaining is the claim in 2004 by Judith B. Evans that she is the real author (she later withdrew that claim when learning of a longer version of the poem in Spanish) and even more entertaining and humorous is that in 2015 (33 years after it was first published as anonymous in the Ask Ann Lander syndicated column) yet another woman, Virginia Rodriguez, claims that she is the real author. And yet the full poem has existed in Spanish for decades – the full Spanish poem being twice as long as the one that has been claimed to have been written by any of these 3 women. The Spanish poem was published in the Spanish book “Para Que Nunca Lo Olviden” by Barrie Sanford Greif (paperback – 1999) and cited as anonymous. Currently, it is attributed to the famous Argentinian poet, Jose Luis Borges who also lectured to American Universities in the late 1960s and early 1970s (although he might not be the author either, as it doesn’t match his style.)
You can read the full English version here: http://www.patrickwanis.com/you-learn-after-a-while-comes-the-dawn-the-poem/
Hello Dr. Wanis,
I appreciate your comments and research. Your right, why would Ms. Shoffstall refer to herself as a woman at 19 years old, but also why would Barrie Sanford and Jose Luis Borges also refer to their manhood as a woman? Or do they? I haven’t read their poems. Comes The Dawn was out there as anonymous, anybody could translate it to whatever language they wanted and attach a year to claim it as their own. The bottom line is and as I have said over and over again, “I believe in Truth to my Readers do you?” That is what I say to Ms. Veronica Shoffstall and anybody else who claims to be the author Comes The Dawn, aka, After A While. I recently attended the Southwest Writers Conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico and received very positive feedback about my memoir in the works, there will be reference to my poem Comes The Dawn. Anybody knows when writing a memoir, you better not lie.
Incidentally, the Spanish poem published in the Spanish book “Para Que Nunca Lo Olviden” by Barrie Sanford Greif (paperback – December 29, 1999) is cited as anonymous. Barry Sanford Greif does not claim to be the author.
[…] After a while – Veronica A. Shoffstall […]
This poem changed my perception on life a bit… Having no expectations of anyone and realizing most things are out of our control… Even the most horrific experiences can be endured…
And still…
Looking back, the paths we’ve made, the footsteps we all took,
Is not our greatest masterpiece found in the face of youth?
I had this poem many years ago and my neice borrowed it to copy. I never could get it back. Now I am 55 and I actuall goggled it and realize how much im still learning!
I was given this poem by mother. It was the greatest gift ever given to me by someone I love. It has helped me during some real trial on my life. Thank you.
Wtf! is it about
The author is explaining the lessons she has learned from life; her understanding of people, relationships and what is truly important in life.
“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 always mean security. ” She distinguishes between holding onto someone and trapping or suffocating them; she states that love isn’t about being desperate and needy (“leaning”); she distinguishes between having people around you as companions and having people who are real friends and offer security and dependability,
Read it carefully and although there are some obvious observations, there are also some wonderful insights.
Hello Dr. Wanis,
I appreciate your perspective on the meaning of my poem, Comes The Dawn, aka After A While. Actually I wrote this poem when I was nearing a second divorce due to domestic violence. My meaning is about independence, learning to be happy with yourself and not depending on a husband or significant other to make you happy. Simple as that. It has nothing to do with friends. As I have said before, After A While; is Comes The Dawn and was first published under that title before Veronica Shoffstall changed my title as to make the poem her own, when my poem was “out there” as author unknown. However the poem After A While is verbatim to my hand written copy Comes The Dawn with edit marks as it was a poem in progress. I will not give up on the fact that I am the true author of Comes The Dawn and have the original in my possession. I have been out of the loop (due to ovarian cancer) in my attempt to challenge Veronica Shoffstall to be honest to her readers. As I have written to her before, I believe in truth to my readers, do you? Let me say, not knowing if I would die from cancer, I certainly would not want to meet my maker with such a deceiving lie. I am truly grateful that Comes The Dawn has touched so many lives, even the wtf’s. If anything, it sure has been a great piece for conversation.
Yours truly,
Virginia Rodriguez
Tooele, Utah
I feel both sad and angry about others claiming to have written this poem? When was it written? Does anyone know the truth? Who is the true author/poet?
This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing it!
A friend gave me a copy of this in 1990. It is battered & torn, but still inspires, even if always tinged with sadness. Under the poem ‘(Norah – an anonymous woman in Massachusetts prison)
See above entry re ‘Norah – an anonymous woman in Massachusetts prison’. A received a copy 1990 – where is Norah now?
[…] After a while – Veronica A. Shoffstall […]
I see an English decent of a woman, one who has been so heavy burden, that she may humbly say she is learning still… Yet will she ever truly know what love tastes like? how about the natural moment of a mans hand running through your messy hair??? Will she ever really know??? Will books let her taste, touch, smell, hear, the Love that exists in moments??? Love endures, for some we learn to appreciate the moment in knowing thats all it is!!!! I love those moments and then the pain!!
[…] loved the words and felt like sharing it with you all (many thanks to Nermeena for posting this lovely poem for all of us to […]
This poem was written by me. I am surprised as well as appalled that someone would scoop up somebody else’s work and publish it without credits to author. My name is Okay Achebe. I will leave the details for now as I am talking with my lawyers.
I have loved this poem for years; so glad to have found it again!!!
I often supply this poem to those going into separation or divorce… as it tells a real story of how someone feels at the onset of the breakup, and how they can feel at the end as well! I deal with many, and their emotions are so scattered at the moment of realization that things are changing! Sometimes those things change quicker than the mind comprehends… but survival of the person… not the relationship… is the most important part of the whole emotion and its pain! And like you said… even the sun hurts if you get too much…
[…] (Original) […]
A beautiful work and it has meant so much to me. I pray the true author will be given credit . I knew an old lady many years ago who made sure all her work was copyrighted.
[…] After A While, by Veronica A. Shoffstall, written 1971. I first read this poem in an Ann Landers column. This lovely and enduring poem about growing up and becoming a strong independent adult has touched many people and been published over and over again. […]
[…] favorite poem is Veronica Shoffstall’s After A While. Read it here https://nerro.wordpress.com/2007/05/06/after-a-while-veronica-a-shoffstall/ It speaks to me as a survivor. I bet it will speak to you, […]
The original poem DID NOT belong to Veronica Shoffstall. Nor anyone else that people think it belongs to. This poem belongs to a woman who wrote this out of a deperate time in her life when she was in a realationship that was not health. People could argue that that is Veronica but it is not. I know the true author. She is content with having the poem out in the world with ought her being recognized but it still urks me that Veronica is getting the credit. she doesn’t want to be recognized but I would prefer if the original was posted with the author anonymos rather than have this tweaked version circulated. I’m glad it has helped a lot of people. Anyway…
The original can be found in an early edition of chicken soup for the souls probably published sometime around 1980 ish. I know no one will believe me but the author and I know the truth.
I read this poem and it spoke so deeply to me that I read it almost everyday as a reminder that every second, every task, every experience is fleeting and after awhile, everything blurry comes in to focus… in its own time.
This was one of my mom’s favorite poems. I have two copies of it that she clipped from newspapers a long time ago. I read them when I’m feeling in need of wisdom and strength, and missing her. She was a strong woman from a long line of them.
You did not write this. This poem was written by Jorge Luis Borges.
Truth still exists. Lots of PhD logic, lots of claims for glory, lots of opinions. “Truth is and no one knows it…” Part of my poem entitled Why. Believe Jesus and you will all know Truth and meet the true Author. Thanks to my heir for trying to stick up for me but there is no need. Truth is. After a while we all learn.
[…] After a while – Veronica A. Shoffstall […]
I’m touched everytime i read this. Favourite poem.
Is this poem about estranged adult children?
Its about anyone who grows up but has the heart of a child , easily broken and holding on too tightly to love
I thought Jorge Luis Borge wrote this.
Hello out there,
My name is Virginia Rodriguez, I live in Tooele Utah. I am the true author of Comes The Dawn, Veronica Shoffstall changed my title. I still have my original and my title is just that. No, my poem came from divorce and domestic violence and over coming the hardship, especially the struggle of ones own worth.
I really appreciate those who keep the lines open as to who the true author is. Those who know me, know that I would never claim that which is not mine. As I have said to Ms. Shoffstall, I believe in truth to my readers, do you?
I have just written a poem called, The Clock. I will post it on wordpress in the next few days for those who are interested.
Virginia Rodriguez
This is all quite intriguing and highly entertaining. A woman, Veronica A. Shoffstall, claims she wrote this poem when she was 19, in 1971; a highly unlikely case that a teenage girl would refer to herself as a woman, “With the grace of a woman not the grief of a child” or that she would have the wisdom that is acquired with decades of life experience. Equally illogical is that she would not publish it nor make any sort of copyright claim until 20 years later, and that somehow in between that time, the poem would become well-known and even published in a craft store in Minneapolis in 1982 and cited as anonymous. Highly entertaining is the claim in 2004 by Judith B. Evans that she is the real author (she later withdrew that claim when learning of a longer version of the poem in Spanish) and even more entertaining and humorous is that in 2015 (33 years after it was first published as anonymous in the Ask Ann Lander syndicated column) yet another woman, Virginia Rodriguez, claims that she is the real author. And yet the full poem has existed in Spanish for decades – the full Spanish poem being twice as long as the one that has been claimed to have been written by any of these 3 women. The Spanish poem was published in the Spanish book “Para Que Nunca Lo Olviden” by Barrie Sanford Greif (paperback – 1999) and cited as anonymous. Currently, it is attributed to the famous Argentinian poet, Jose Luis Borges who also lectured to American Universities in the late 1960s and early 1970s (although he might not be the author either, as it doesn’t match his style.)
You can read the full English version here: http://www.patrickwanis.com/you-learn-after-a-while-comes-the-dawn-the-poem/
Good Morning Dr. Wanis,
The whole idea that Comes The Dawn was written by any of these famous poets and other people continues to baffle me. Judith B. Evans eventually told the truth, just as Veronica Shoffstall should. That in itself demonstrates the character of a person. The fact that the original title “Comes The Dawn” is what my poem is titled and had that title when it was stolen should be evident who the true author is. Also, if you take note of one important question many ask is “where did the title Comes The Dawn come from?” Veronica has all sorts of excuses about how the poem came to be called “Comes The Dawn” even as far as ” and many other names”. My thought is to deflect the fact that it was published by Ann Lander and many others as “Comes The Dawn”. She even goes as far as “at one time it was in the body of the poem, which is not true (I never used the title in my poem) or that “people just started calling it that (does she really believe that?) It doesn’t make sense. People just don’t get up one morning and decide to change the title of someone else’s work! Unless….
Then how? I ask, was it initially out there with my title? Where did “Comes The Dawn” come from many continue to ask. Simple, my original ink, hand written copy of Comes The Dawn is titled just that, with edit marks, coffee stains and all. As I have said before “Comes The Dawn” was still in the polishing phase when it was stolen.
Let me just say, in 2016 I was diagnosed with almost stage 4 Ovarian cancer not knowing if I would die. Does anybody honestly believe it would be worth dying with such a lie attached to your soul? I would take the path Judith B. Evans did.
I Believe in truth to my reader. Do you?
Virginia Rodriguez,
Tooele, Utah
Why do you pose the question “I Believe in truth to my reader. Do you?” to me? I do not make claims of being an author of this poem? Where is your proof? Where is the copy of your handwritten poem? Why have you not filed a copyright claim with the US Copyright Office? You state:
“Simple, my original ink, hand written copy of Comes The Dawn is titled just that, with edit marks, coffee stains and all. As I have said before “Comes The Dawn” was still in the polishing phase when it was stolen.”
Who stole it? How did they steal it? What was the date you wrote it?
It has been in print since at least 1982; why have you never filed a copyright claim in 37 years? It was printed in Spanish in 1999 and attributed to an anonymous author. Who translated it into Spanish?
Whoever wrote this poem would have written many other poems; have you written other poems? Have you published or copyrighted them?
Good Morning Dr. Wanis:
Great questions. I’ll do my best to answer them in my book. Yes, I have written several poems. In April 2005 I wrote a poem called “Feathers” that took 1st place at the 1st Latino/a Poetry contest at the Kimball Art Center, Park City Utah. Along with another woman who’s poem also took 1st place. I have posted several of my poems on wordpress.com, which includes Feathers.
I believe in truth to my readers. Do you?
Virginia Rodriguez,
Tooele, Utah
[…] «After a while« […]
[…] answers. But I hope what we learned about slowing down, simplifying our lives, remembering how to “plant [our] own gardens and decorate [our] own soul[s]”, expressing gratitude, and praying for the world around us never go […]
Wow. What can I say? In the late fall of 1984 or early winter 1985, I do not recall which, I wrote a poem I titled After Awhile You Learn because the man I had dated for nearly two years cheated on me and we broke up. I was 17 yrs old. I only wrote poetry when I was depressed, mostly in the winter. My father was abusive and I watched my mother struggle to be loved by him. He cheated on her repeatedly, separated from her for 7 years and eventually she divorced him when I was about 16. It was during the last few years of their marriage that I met my first boyfriend. He was great…or so I thought. He was 20 and I was only 15 when it began. He showered me with gifts (a car, fur coat, diamond ring, workout machine, flowers, etc.) and took over all of my free time. He eventually took a “break” from our relationship to see an old girlfriend. He took my innocence (or should I say I gave it to him) because I thought he was my future husband. After the second “weekend reunion” with his old girlfriend, I called it off. I was crushed. I spewed out my poem to make sense of it all. I wanted to believe that his kisses and presents were different and meant more than what my dad showed my mom. They did not. They were not contracts or promises. The line about the sunshine burning if you get too much toward the end of the poem was because one of the last kind things he did for me (the summer before he started cheating) was to rub Noxema on my back when I got a sunburn from squatting in my neighbor’s flower garden weeding while wearing shorts and a tank top. It was this final act of kindness that I chose to remember rather than the pain of his betrayal. I never used the word “woman” in the poem but I like that word better. I wanted to see with my eyes open, with the grace of an ADULT, not the grief of a child. I was keenly aware that I was still a child but I wanted to grow up and did not want to end up like my mother.
I have written sequels to that poem. But I never tried to copywrite any of them. I am not interested in that sort of thing. I visited the library of congress in WA DC a few years ago and talked in person with the poetry specialist to learn how someone could copywrite another’s poem. He explained that if someone claims it, and no one contests it, they can do it. I wrote it and gave only one copy to the young man who I eventually forgave around 1989 or 1990 (I am not sure of exactly when because I did not think it necessary to pay attention). He followed me around for long time, even moving into the basement of the apartment I shared with two other girls while in college, but I never would get back together with him. I married another. I first saw my poem again (the exact original) on the refrigerator of a new co-worker I had just met when I moved out west in 1993. She received it from a friend who went to school at Ohio State University, in the exact building where I, and the man I wrote the poem about, went to school. I was amazed. The EXACT poem I wrote is in Chicken Soup for Your Soul, second edition under Author Anonymous. I was pleased to learn that people enjoyed it and that it had been shared. Then I forgot about it… at least until 2003 when I was suffering the inevitable… my own divorce. An elder woman invited me for tea and told me she had just what I needed. She pulled a yellowed Ann Lander’s copy of my poem off her refrigerator and handed it to me. Only this time, it was slightly different and was being claimed by another. I contacted VS, her college in Utica NY, and the alumni staff to search the IVY knowing that a 1971 yearbook could not possibly have my 1984-5 poem in it. The college staff searched the yearbook stacks and called me the next day to verify that only a loose leaf copy was slipped into an otherwise bound copy. A call to the library of congress also revealed that it was not copywrite until the 90’s (I think I recall a 1991 copywrite date), and not in 1971 as she claims, again, no surprise to me. I contacted VS and she yelled at me in all capital letters online, something about being delusional, and I forgave her. Then she closed her poetry website immediately. I also contacted the newspaper in 2003 and they said that Ann no longer had that column, of course, but that she had placed a “call out for the author” after so many people had wrote to her about liking the poem. VS answered the call. (On a side note, I know it could not have been in Ann Landers in 1982 because I had not yet written it). Anyway, when it was being published in Ann’s column, I was pursuing my college education and Army Reserve training to help pay for college. I knew nothing about my poem being out in the public at that time.
These facts are verifiable if a person really wanted to search for truth. Most will not try. They either do not care, will believe what supports their own misguided opinion, or will choose what “feels right” in their own mind.
In this time of fear, lies, and misinformation, people should search for truth and not believe everything they read. Lies have a way of spreading and taking on a new life of their own, even by innocent people. I blame no one, I forgive everyone and I am glad this poem continues to benefit many. I speak Truth and Love. I am not a famous writer, a 18th or 19th century poet, a Spanish author, or a published expert. (Although I frequently search to see what is being said about my poem. It is a fun distraction, especially now.) I am a mother, veteran, physical therapist, wife and Christian. Because this happened to me and I knew the truth, I learned never to believe what any person says, but to always search for Truth and then to test it. Truth always finds a way of revealing itself and lies are always revealed…eventually.
I have posted several times over the years on various blogs but never hear back. I do not expect a return contact now. Do not believe me…check the facts. Anyone with a PhD should never repeat unverified information…never. Search the sources, not other internet opinion pieces. Contact Ann Landers’ paper, Library of Congress, The college in Utica, NY, Chicken Soup for the Soul, the works of previous poets for comparison, etc. Ask the questions, get the facts. Then, speak Truth now and forever. God Bless Everyone who Loves Truth and Believes!
[…] high school, I had a favorite poem that talked about ‘planting your own garden and decorating your own soul’ because I […]
[…] I chose to play a song by Radiohead called Creep. While on the surface the lyrics seem to speak about unrequited love, there is an undercurrent that tells of the self-doubt and anxiety, as well as the relief you experience at the end of a relationship. With the completion of this project, my relationship with this University is ending. We are parting ways and I’m not exactly sure what comes next. I am so grateful for what this relationship has brought me, and also concerned about how I allowed it to overfill my bucket and contributed to these transient health concerns. For certain, this is by no means a typical APA citation-laden, academic paper; it’s just ramblings of my reflections on what it took for me to climb this hill, and where the path leads from here. As a great poem by Veronica Shoffstall says “You learn and you learn, with every goodbye you learn.” […]
I remember. We used to use this philosophy at the start of a certain group every day. That’s when I was doing a long term drug addiction program at Harbor House in Bronx NY. Everyone had to remember it by heart. That program saved my life
This is a very old poem. Nothing new and I can’t understand why she is trying to take credit for this!
True beautiful words/
Sometimes difficult to accept as we tend to struggle with detachment.
Thank you for creating these thaughts🙏🌹♥️
[…] not really a panacea to all the sharp-edged drama of heartbreak, Veronica Shofstall’s “After a While” offers a useful […]
After a While…. Jorge Luis Borges was the original author. Later, Veronica Shoffstall added a stanza and copyrighted it.
AFTER A WHILE
By Jorge Luis Borges
(revised and copyrighted by Veronica Shoffstall)
SHOFFSTALL DID NOT WRITE THIS POEM.
Very beautiful ❤️
Hi
It’s been a heart tugger for many years