Donald Graves (2005) described poetry as big thinking in a small space.  I can not think of any way to add to that description.  This one grabbed my heartstrings this week. 
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 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.
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.
Veronica A. Shoftstall