in tears because
the innocent have to die
in this country, theirs, and others

in tears because
many put gifts above
their own happiness
their own needs

in tears because
politicians, like children
bicker, squabble, then smiling
stand on the wreckage
of a once beautiful country

In tears because
Aboriginal peoples struggle, still
yet their pride rises, rises
as they stand, together
to oppose the rehashed onslaught

and then, in tears because
the season brings
kind, soft truths of hope, goodwill
closeness of family, friends, good people

in tears because
beside my arm, my heart
my kind wife beams
lays her head on my shoulder
as we plan our day, week, our life

in tears because
I look into my heart
find there upstanding, the egregious, the middling
and stumble upon love, forgiveness, joy
happy in the light and dark both

© 2012 by DC Lessoway