“Stop crying –”

O, tears,

disobedient .

“— or I’ll give you

a reason

to cry.”

O, reasons,

manifold,

variable,

unpredictable.

Action begets

reaction;

effect follows

cause.

The river –

dammed,

diverted,

disguised.

Feel

the tears’

slow prick

and glide…

Retreat.

Turn away,

turn

aside.

— C.Birde, 2/20