TEARS

These are for the family always caught in a feud;

For the ones who fight in spite or just to be rude.

They fall from eyes, the size and shine of a coin

and constantly encourage more followers to join.

Salted and liquid, they race across my face.

Oh, how addicting, that bittersweet taste.

They ride the slope of my nose as if it were play

and rest on my chest, each in a spot to lay...

I stare down at them with my eyes

and try to jar a tear before it dries.

Every addition to be a memory or plea

from each time a loved one of mine saddens me.

They are but beads to my abacus, I count them so

as my family pains me in ways that I can't outgrow

"Help me, don't hurt me." It will be the same for you.

"I swear that on everything; on my name. It's true!"