It's one of those things which makes you sad

To see others upset by rational minds gone mad

Causing strife within heart, soul, mind and spirit

For these do hurt with their thoughts inconsiderate



Which always do sting, and gradually wear you down

So far you erode, eyes full of tears ... and face frowns

Trying so hard to hold up head and keep your pride

But the tears well over - something you just cannot hide



And as you wipe away the stings and burns in salted drops

Another who cares so - puts a smile on your face from the top

As a wonderful warmth overflows within you and you reach up

To try and touch the other one close who just made the taps stop



But the handle on the faucet has worn loose from all the overuse

And no longer seats on the shaft, and so then spins, not screwed

As the trickle from the pipes becomes greater, now unhindered

And the salt water of your soul lets loose - no longer rescinded ...



- Tristram



Christopher W. Thomas

2:10pm Thurs. Feb. 18th, 1998