The Sound Of A Teardrop

Summary

The poem "The Sound Of A Teardrop" reflects on the emotional journey of a parent whose child is severely disabled, exploring the depth of sorrow, the connection between parent and child, and the resilience found in hope.

Abstract

"The Sound Of A Teardrop" is a poignant poem that delves into the personal and emotional experience of a parent caring for a severely disabled child. The author contemplates the sensory aspects of a tear's formation, using touch and sight to track its physical presence. However, the poem transcends the physical to explore the profound sorrow that arises from the child's suffering, which periodically breaks through the parent's defenses. This emotional turmoil challenges the parent's faith in a higher power and love's benevolence. Despite the pain, the parent finds strength in the child's unwavering hope and the precious moments of laughter and connection they share. The child's presence in the parent's life is invaluable, and the poem concludes with the realization that the emotional cost is a small price to pay for the profound bond and love they have developed.

Opinions

The author initially intended to capture their emotions in a haiku but found the depth of their feelings required a more extensive exploration.
There is a sense of a protective outer shell that the parent has developed to cope with the child's condition, which is occasionally penetrated by overwhelming sorrow.
The parent's pain is juxtaposed with moments of joy and connection, emphasizing the complexity of emotions involved in caring for a disabled child.
The poem conveys a profound love for the child, who is seen as more precious now than ever before.
The author acknowledges the difficulty of accepting a situation that one cannot change, yet they find solace in the child's hopeful spirit.
The tears shed by the parent are not just a physical manifestation of pain but also a symbol of empathy, love, and the strength derived from their child's resilience.

A Poem

How to detect it Is the ear the right instrument Or is something more sensitive required

I can feel the moisture As it trickles out of my orbs

Looking in the mirror It’s passage can be viewed and tracked

So touch and sight can be engaged In the pursuit of this personal messenger This delicate but powerfilled tear

But there is so much more to the tale it tells What gave rise to its genesis Perhaps by dwelling a moment on this one’s creation Some weight Some sound can be attributed to it

A child of ours is severely disabled It has been part of him for so long That at times a numb outer shell Protects me from the pain

But inevitably the reality bursts through my outer dams His sorrow becomes mine With an intensity that obscures everything else His suffering threatens to overwhelm me That such a good person must endure such darkness My very belief in Her love is shaken

Thus were this tear and its companions born There is a sound to it after all It is the echo of my heart breaking once again Of hope being stifled A parent should be able to keep their child from such a fate Yet I remain powerless

The tears help me My son has not given up hope So how can I There are good moments When laughter is shared Connections are stronger Above all my son is more precious to me now Than when he was just an innocent toddler He will never be taken for granted He helps fill my life Pain is a small price to pay

When I started this, it was only going to be a haiku. But I got lost along the way, and the above is the result.