no one sees a tear

no one sees a tear
as it dissolves into a silent abyss
longing for one spark of recognition
to ignite a fury of understanding
a single moment of glory
to rectify a lifetime of sleepless nights

no one sees a tear
caught in the cluttered gutter of self pity
searching for remembrance
to alter the direction of its course
with nowhere to turn
save the emphatic expression from which it came

no one sees a tear
struck down in its path of relief
held back to sacrifice the ease of sorrow
for fear of showing weakness or vulnerability
of losing face or disrupting a reputation

no one sees a tear
as it trickles down her cheek
onto the cold tile floor
and seeps into the concrete seams
leaving behind only a residue of guarded emotions
not to be penetrated easily
closed off from the world
until the tile tells her secrets
and reveals the source of her distress

no one sees a tear
because they fall too often without remorse
and fail to pursue the grievances
that they duly reflect.