Crying Means You Made It

if you can still cry
it means you can still breathe

and if you can still breathe
it means you are still alive

and if you are still alive
it means you still have some work to do

– so go ahead and
cry for a bit
– each tear is proof
of your survival
– each jagged breath you take
is evidence of your courage
– you may be
wounded
– you may be
discounted

but you are still here

-and some days simply still being here
despite what the world has done to you

is a miracle

you are a miracle
you are a miracle
you are a miracle

my love,
you are a miracle

don’t hide your
streaking tears

they are badges
of salty valor

that tell the story
how you kept going
despite the raging storm

we need you

– so go ahead and
– cry
— breathe
—- survive
— then get back to work
– be the miracle

by John Roedel
art by Jennifer Yoswa