Do Not Apologize Poem by Jim Yerman

When I was young my parents taught me…without ever telling me why
that whatever happens to me in life…boys aren't supposed to cry.

For years I heeded that childhood lesson…and anytime tears escaped my eyes
I would quickly try to hide them…or if someone saw them…I'd apologize.

Even as a man when I felt tears forming…whenever my emotions would spike
I'd quickly try to suppress them…to hold my finger in the dike.

I wish my parents had taken the time…and taught that little boy
the advantages there are in tears of sorrow…the benefits in tears of joy.

How teardrops have many functions…but two of their ultimate goals
are their ability to cleanse our hearts…and the power to soothe our souls.

Luckily for me and my tear-imprisoned eyes
I met a woman along the way who taught me how to cry.

When I saw how easily her tears flowed…that she was not afraid to cry
knowing the way I was brought up…I had to ask her why!

"I never stop my crying." She said. "Crying starts the healing only tears can bring."
"And once my heart has finished weeping…only then…can it begin to sing."

So…to all the young (and old) ones out there…a lesson I learned late….
When it comes to tears and crying…do not hesitate….

Never hold back your tears
never dry your eyes…
cry whenever your heart feels like crying…
and when you cry…do not apologize.