TEARS

An unexpected sunny spell so everyone,
of course, is on the edge of tears, some
lying on their backs, not moving. Children
run about the place and scream and everyone

is naked or as good as, even the ground
is stripped of anything that could sustain
any kind of life, just dry crystals, grit
to make eyes water, slip through trailing hands,

bury yourself in. Seabirds circle, dive
into the tears which must have something they
can feast on, salt, a glut of memories, regret.
The odd brave person ventures out, submerging

themselves in tears which burn with coldness then
lifts them up, lighter somehow, floating.