Tears

Tears are a well of loneliness
When nothing can resolve
A painful mess

Tears try
To seek relief
My only friend,
Antidotes. .. caregivers. ..
Dance their bravery
Down my cheeks.

Tears of hurt bewilderment
Worse than the Mark of Cain
Leprosy's archaic taint
Shows the world softness
Is your worst mistake.

Let tears run their course and race
Track of knive stabs upon your face
But
Let no one see the saline trace
Of your precious tears.
Fear both those who wear
Mercy upon their sleeves,
And those who want you
To believe
Tears are worthless
False relief.

Not so
But
Tears are secret myriad selves
Joys in sorrow, solitude's fanciful elves
And not a human soul can know
Though what you reap
Is what you sow
Water  of love and mercy
Borne of bitterest rootstock's
Malignant growth
Tears to thee, I belong...
I'm betrothed.

(c) Amrita Valan 2015