In memory of our fallen heroes

[Autumn]

EVEN THE TOUGH ONES CRY


Only one
who has never
policed, nursed,
soldiered,
or firefought
would believe
the tough ones
never cry!

The streets,
trauma rooms,
battlefields and
raging infernos
are different
yet strangely the same.

Waste
corruption
wealth
happiness
tragedy
filth
beauty
power
sickness
valor
anxiety
humor
tension
order
chaos
sweat
fun
prayers
brutality
hunger
stench
mercy
vomit
murder
fear
heros
birth
mud
insects,

endless night.....

hurry up
and wait.

Hope.

Death!
Death!
More death!
The cycle of pain
continues
ad infinitum

Who then
cries
for the dead?
The living
cry not!
They are
much too busy
gasping for life.
The dead
of course
can never
cry again!
Who then sheds
the tears
that must be shed?
Look to
the tough ones!
If you catch
a glimpse of
a tough one
crying,
don't think
it's a sign
of weakness.
They pay
the deceased
ultimate honor
by sharing
their tears
with you.


~ J.T. McBride