Tears

I sing of the beauty of tears
all the sorrow of the universe crystallized in a single tear

Tears that seep up from the subterranean springs of sadness
Heartache at the heart of things

Tender tears of the poet singing of the days that are no more
Tears that can be heard in the chant of the priest, in the vibrato of the flute

Lachrymae Christi of the myth

I sing of the sadness of things
the lone stone on the slope of the hill, the silent stars
thin tree undressed for winter trembling ever so slightly in the wind

The salt tears of the widow
after ten years time
recalling with wonder
tears shed for her on the eve of his dying

"You are crying!" she says
as they face one another in marital bed.

"Only once have I seen your eyes wet with tears
It was when your dear mother died

Are you crying because you are dying?"

"I am crying for you" replies the worn one
"You are strong, you will live long,but you will live alone, so alone

Many will come to comfort and console but who can enter into the center of your sorrow?
Who will descend into the depths? What arms will enfold you?
Who will call you by name?

And when you stumble along the stony road, who will uphold you?
Whose hand will you hold?

My tears are for you, my widow, my wife."

Mildred Raynolds Trivers