When Patients Cry

When patients cry

I encourage them to cry

The eyes swell shut

Saturated with sadness

Then comes the first drop

The solitary tear

The first messenger of inner misery

That is hastily wiped away

In a pathetic attempt

To delay others that might follow

For this onslaught could last a day

Or for forty days and nights

And there is doubt the vessel will hold

To weather such a storm

But instead be an ensnaring cage

Broken and dashed upon the rocks

Descending to the murky depths

As one is left to drown in their sorrows

But when patients cry

I encourage them to cry

Two by two we perfect the craft

Two by two we collect the best attributes

The rest are left out to the elements

In this man-made sanctuary

In this arc of solace

Patient and physician

We huddle together

Anticipating the tears

And the passing of final judgement

When the deluge finally arrives

The psyche is flooded with emotions

And feelings rage

Old sins are washed aside

Thoughts of wrath and un-forgiveness

Imperfections and accusations

All flow away with the edging tide

And when the wailing stops

When the floodgates close

Like exterior doors, the eyes are opened

Ready to explore this brave new world

When patients cry

I encourage them to cry

For the alternative is much worse

When no tears come

The soul becomes a parched desert

And the spirit wanders lost

In a place uninhabitable for life

Tormented by inner demons

Under temptation that can last a day

Or for forty days and nights

Until one simply gives in

To dwell among the bleached skeletons

Ghastly reminders of the flaws of one's past

So, when patients cry

I encourage them to cry