We are conditioned from an early age to judge tears as a sign of weakness. But in my experience, tears are actually a natural coping and healing mechanism. In fact, I believe the foremost step needed to resolve emotional pain is to lower our internal barriers and simply allow oue tears to flow. I hope my poem inspires you to do just that …
Tears can be happy
Tears can be sad
They can be painful
They can be glad.
Tears can be silent
Tears can be dry
They can be shed
or just be denied.
Tears can release
Tears can uplift
But when held back
… they get toxic.
The thicker the wall
not letting them flow
the stronger our past
has us in control.
Yes, tears take courage
to dive in the sea –
as waves of emotion
surge threateningly.
But once the storm
has come to pass,
what looked half-empty
may seem a (half -) full glass.
Tears flow carrying
the pain of our hearts
healing, repairing
our broken parts.
Tears are a channel
meant to be used
to cope and endure
life’s myriad hues.
So next time you feel
a tear sting your eye,
Let go— do allow
yourself a good cry!
© Tara Anand
(From my memoir ‘Why The Lotus Blooms : Choosing To Stand Tall’)