He's Just Down the Hall

Breath deep, Close your eyes, A grown man seldom cries. Hold it in, Bow your head, Before first tear is shed. Turn around, Hide your face, Find an isolated place. Close the door, Lock it fast, Finally, alone at last. Break down, Let it out, Begin with a long shuddering, inward sniffle, Somehow triggering the nose to run, As if the tears we're bound to fall. Open your eyes in pain, Let the floodgates flow, Breaths stuttering in and out, As you begin to ball. First a whimper, Moving to a heave, Then a drawn out moan, Ending with a gutteral howl. Pause for a moment, take your time, When ready, open the door, Walk down the hall, As if nothing happened at all. 10/05/17