his tears were infectious
created more tears
as they ran down the hills and vales
of his face
filled a heart to overflowing
washed it clean of its dirts and filths
infected it with grief and love
remembering loves long dead
or long moved away to anonymous
hurt a heart once more with goodbyes
unwanted
left memories like bruises on the grieving heart
and
with songs like knives scarred the soul

love hurts and heals


c. 2023 Roberta Compton Rainwater