Poems by John Pinkney

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.

(DIAMONDS) PROMISES TO YOU I promise to always lift you up when you are feeling down. I promise to wipe your tears when you feel you need to cry. I promise to keep you smiling to show off that cute smile you have. I promise to be your strength whenever you feel weak. I promise to always tell you what’s real when you want to hear the truth. I promise to be your smile when you’re frowning. I promise to always cheer you up when you are down and sad. I promise to give you faith when you are feeling insecure. I promise to keep you sturdy when you are feeling unsafe. I promise to listen when you need to talk. I promise to tell you no lies, just what is true. I promise to hold you when you need someone. I promise to always be there for you. Wherever you are, “I promise to always be there.” I promise to never hurt you and never break your heart. I can’t promise you that I will never cry, but I can promise you that I will always be true to you! And, Love Of My Life, I promise I will always love you more than anything, with all my heart, no matter what we go through. Baby, I’ll love you until the end of time. I will be your guardian angel, as you are mine. That’s my promise to you.