I was the child who cried all of the time
Sometimes it made them happy
Sometimes it made them hit me
Sometimes it made them stop
Sometimes i saved it for later
In my room when it was all over

I was the girl who never cried
Sometimes it gave them permission
Sometimes it intensified their aggression
Sometimes it bought me reprieve
Sometimes it incensed them
I wore it all as a badge of honour

I was the woman who couldn’t cry
Sometimes it made me seem cold
Sometimes it damaged my children
Sometimes it cost me dear friendships
Sometimes it kept life at a distance
I didn’t understand why i was so alone

I am the woman who is learning to cry
Sometimes it makes me feel afraid
Sometimes it makes me feel furious
Sometimes it makes me feel broken
Sometimes it makes me feel clean
But it always makes me feel

And i’m no longer alone