Pretty Tears

The tracks of your tears

Are salt paths of clarity

In the dirt and grime of life

I watch the drops fall into my palm

And hold them there,

The bittersweet knowledge

That I was trusted with them,

With the broken syllables

And wide-eyed fears

You held so close to you for so long

I see the dam break

And the waters come rushing

The blood in my ears

From the pumping of your heavy heartbeat

You release, hands splayed,

Fingertips tingling against mine,

I’ll take this from you, Love,

And give you back your smile

Because nothing is more beautiful

Than the curve of your lips

And the light in your eyes

By the force of my will

And the strength of my prayer

And the stains of your tears

On my soul

You will be set free