16 tears
welled up in her eyes
it was at that very moment
she knew she would cry

16 droplets of rain
fell from the sky
into the cistern
that once was so dry

16 men
all waited in line
for the opportunity
that would only be given to 9

16 candles
burning so bright
holding tight to the future
that will be laid out in time

16 hands
like those of the blind
reaching for something
not sure of what they will find

16 minutes
is never much time
though it depends on
where your heading in life

16 tears
fell from her eyes
when they reached the floor
that's when she realized