Tears well up nowhere to go
They trickle down your cheek
Feel the warm damp tears fall
A symbol of the fear you feel
The thoughts of what may have been
Tears well up and make you sad
You’re just so glad it wasn’t you
Or anyone you love
But it was someone who you don’t know
Someone who is wracked with fear
Fear of what they saw that night
Will haunt them evermore
What they saw, what may have been
Will haunt them on and on
You feel ok and then you’re not
The mind is playing tricks
Kind words and thoughts from ones you love
Help only for a time
Before the thoughts come back again
And tears begin to well
Imagining what might have been
Your mind is in a whirl
Dab your eyes and wipe the tears away
Remember those less blessed than you
Count your blessings hold and hug
The ones you love so dear
And hope that love will wipe away
The teardrops and the fear
This poem was inspired by the effect of being caught up in the bombing of the Manchester Arena on 22nd May 2017. Waiting for two granddaughters and their two friends to emerge from the carnage and confusion was a life-changing experience. I could not have anticipated the emotional impact the experience has had. Pleased to say everyone was safe but, I suspect, the children will carry the emotional scar for life.
I republish this poem today in remembrance of those less fortunate.
24 May 2017
Updated 25 May 2023
