The Raining Tears
I sit here with tears in my eyes
wondering why
the tear leak has sprung.
I do not weep in pain
and do not weep in sorrow
or grief.
I was taught
to hold back the tears
and be as manly as possible.
At an early age I managed this
skill and stood tearless
by open coffins.
I grimaced with pain
as I watched blood flow
from my twisted limbs.
For it was most manly
not to shed a tear
not even a salty drop in my eye.
Now in my old age
I read and tears flow
catching my face turning sad.
Now the cause is joy,
a kiss or an award;
any victory over obstacles.
I do not sob for miners trapped
deep in the earth but greet
each emerging miner with a bucket full.
A missing child chills my heart
but not my tear ducts
until the child is fond.
I worry not about my death
and shed no tears on the topic;
different is a picture of family young.
Why in old age have
I become a sentimental
cry baby old fool?
I weep for the good,
I weep for the beautiful,
I weep for others success.
Thank goodness I am mostly alone
as it is hard to hide
a weeping old man.
I know it is not fashionable
to weep at joyful times
or because you are touched.
I am at peace
and accept myself
but I would like to know why.
Doug Minnis
December 23, 2010