in depth look at poem: This poem was written because of someone I passed on my way home from school one day. I passed a young girl, probably about 14 or 15. She was crying and she had her hand over her mouth. My heart was filled with so much compassion for her that I just wanted to hug her and let her know it was alright. But (as she was korean and I don't speak any korean) we just passed each other. She made such an impression on me that I went home and wrote this poem.


a female's tears

the tears stream down her face.
she's broken, she's hurting.
her hope has been shattered
she's covering her mouth,
holding the scream inside.

the tears stream down her face
she's broken, she's in pain.
her self-worth has been dampened
she's covering her face,
keeping the shame to herself.

the tears stream down her face
she's dying, she's hurting.
her love has been abused
she's covering her mouth,
holding the scream inside.

the tears stream down her face
she's dying, she's in pain.
her self-image has been distorted
she's covering her face,
keeping the shame to herself.

-Jonathan Johnston


© Copyright 1996 Jonathan Johnston


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