Sometimes,
I'm surprised at how wise
children can be.
Hearing only occasional screams
above my music as I work,
I didn't know why the little boy
was crying.
But it was when I turned my music off
and began to pack my things
did I overhear a partial conversation
between mother and son:
Do you need a tissue?
she asked.
No,
he replied
as he wiped his eyes.
I'm just frustrated.
I can't stop crying.
I know if I get the tears out
I'll quit crying,
but I can't do it.
I'm just really frustrated.
Let's get you something to drink,
she said.
I sympathize with the little boy.
Sometimes I get frustrated,
and I just need to get the tears out.
It's easy for you,
little boy,
to let your tears flow.
When you get older,
it's harder to let the tears run
because when you're older it's more important
that you appear calm and collected in public,
and there is no time to even shed a tear.
Be frustrated,
wear your heart on your sleeve.
And someday,
when you're older
and frustrated by the things of the adult world,
I hope you remember that
it is okay to cry,
to let the tears out
so you don't have to cry anymore.
