I shed a tear today, 
one for myself, and one 
for others. I shed a tear
on behalf of my brother. 
My sister, I know, 
will shed many of her own, 
but I shed one anyway, 
so it be known.
A tear to remind me,
again, of my father, a 
bigger one then 
for my dear caring mother. 
I shed a tear also 
for someone unknown, 
but I read today 
how the flowers have grown. 
I shed a tear
for those in pain, and for those 
who cannot love again. 
I shed a tear for 
a missing child, I
shed a tear for 
my missing wild.
I shed a tear, knowing,
I must 
be stronger, 
knowing I may need 
to shed them 
a little while longer.
I shed a tear 
as I try
to be kinder, every 
tear I shed a constant
reminder. 
I shed a tear 
and then realize
how a tear reminds us
why 
we have eyes.

© 2015 j.g. lewis