Many tears are shed in sadness,

for lost loved ones or bad times.

But the tears I shed are mostly

for the Joy I feel

and pride of family and friends.

My tears are shed

when I see my Flag passing in parade;

when I hear my nation’s Anthem;

when I see Lady Liberty in the harbor;

when I hear a babe’s first cry.

I’m not ashamed to shed tears

when I hear the names called out

of those who give their lives for our freedom;

when I hear the songbird welcoming my morn;

when I see the grandeur of a mountain.

Tears I readily shed

for kindness given one to another;

for wonder in the soulful, loving eyes of my cats,

for delight in seeing an elderly pair walk hand-in-hand;

for the understanding of those who are “different”.

My tears are special to me,

for they are

my heartfelt thanks to my Creator.

© Jackie (Micke) Jinks, Sept. 21, 2006