Poems by
John Pinkney MEANWHILE You do not have to be happy or sad. Meanwhile, smile—it’s a brighter day. You do not have to walk on your hands and knees for a hundred miles to get a smile. Just look in the mirror and you will see a smile. Now do you see? Meanwhile, let the soft animal of your body love when it loves you. Tell me about your happiness and I will tell you about mine. Meanwhile, the world goes on, the sun shines, the rain falls, and the breeze blows across the landscapes of love. Meanwhile, smile. The sky is blue, the rivers flow, and the trees are green. Meanwhile, just imagine what you can do smile over and over announcing your place. Meanwhile, smile. TEARS When the sun goes down, the emotions come back. Tears, Tears, Tears. Why must there be sadness? Oh!! Tears, why must you be pain? Tears, Tears. I wish it would rain. I hear the sound Of tears all over the house. Is that Rain on my windowpane or just the Tears in my heart? Are they the same, God? Tears, Tears, Tears. A man is not supposed to cry, so why am I? Oh, I wish it would rain!! Tears, Tears. So that no one can see me cry. But there are tears of happiness, joy, and love. So why must there be sadness? Tears, Tears. I pray tonight when I sleep that I will not weep. But my pillow stays wet. Is there no end? Tears keep running down my face Oh. I wish it would rain. I’m not ashamed. Still, I wish it would rain. For a man is not supposed to cry. So I just weep—let happiness begin Where sadness ends, and has been. Tears, Tears, Tears. Situations15
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