Home » Poems » Michelle Faulkner » One Tear

One Tear

One tear slides down a slanted cheek
A silver line, the only sign

Of anguish which she does not speak
Insistent smiles, bright by design

Thin fortitude, her whitewashed shrine
Gilded answers rain, lily meek

She lies and says that she is fine
When truth is too fearsome to seek

2/1/20

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Hilo Poet

Date: 8/17/2021 5:30:00 PM

Absolutely delighted to no end, like being in an empty pharmacy, Michelle, I'm glad that this oldie, certainly a goldie, have crossed my path, whereto, the life of my Faves now expands my friend, Aloha!

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 8/18/2021 2:38:00 PM

I am again flattered, thank you for your warm comments, William!

Gregory Richard Barden

Date: 4/2/2020 10:28:00 PM

Oh, I love this one - to me, our greatest tool is the imagination of the READER, and our duty to get their wheels spinning - to not say TOO much, but plant seeds for them to grow their own story ... this does that perfectly! (Check out my "ice to eyes" sometime - John W and I were just chatting about this subject). Faved! :o) <3

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 4/5/2020 7:00:00 PM

Yes, I agree that poems which are implied, rather than explicit, can be more resonant-

John Watt

Date: 2/16/2020 6:52:00 PM

Michelle, this kind of hidden sadness surrounds us. It's so hard to find those whom we can trust, but even if we do, sharing our sadness is still so difficult. "Gilded answers rain, lily meek" is my favorite line of this touching, heartfelt poem. Congrats to you on your win ~ John

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 2/17/2020 11:07:00 AM

I am touched and humbled by your thoughtful comment, John, thank you

Gershon Wolf

Date: 2/16/2020 4:45:00 PM

Yes. Often easier to tell a lie than confront the brutal truthy. Great win in the contest, Michelle! ~ Gershon

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 2/17/2020 11:06:00 AM

Appreciate your kind words, Gershon!

Charles Messina

Date: 2/16/2020 1:17:00 PM

This is great, Michelle. Written so well...truth hurts (sometimes) Well done. Congratulations on your win! Charlie

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 2/17/2020 11:03:00 AM

Thank you for placing me in your contest, Charlie-

M. L. Kiser

Date: 2/5/2020 12:24:00 PM

Ooh, well penned piece, good luck in the contest.

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 2/11/2020 12:01:00 AM

Appreciate your comment, thank you#

Kai Michael Neumann

Date: 2/3/2020 4:30:00 AM

Truth can be such an enigma ...

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 2/3/2020 9:35:00 PM

It is one of life's mysteries-

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 2/2/2020 10:40:00 AM

Wow. Your simple but elegant description of her is so impactful.

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 2/3/2020 9:35:00 PM

Thank you, Andrea

Gershon Wolf

Date: 2/1/2020 9:24:00 PM

Simply superb, Michelle. A FAVE for me. Thanks, Gershon

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 2/1/2020 11:21:00 PM

I am touched by your generous words, many thanks, Gershon-

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 2/1/2020 7:45:00 PM

Often tears are hidden...one slides, the rest on the inside!

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 2/1/2020 11:19:00 PM

One tear is just the beginning - very glad for your comment, Kim

Rico Leffanta

Date: 2/1/2020 6:40:00 PM

You must be on the same wave-length as Lindsay! Well done! Aloha! Rico

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 2/1/2020 11:18:00 PM

Guess I'll have to see some of his now, thanks for commenting

Jan Allison

Date: 2/1/2020 5:27:00 PM

A poem i can certainly relate to michelle and at certain times of our lives I think many of us are in this type of situation and its far easier to mask our emotions and soldier on. Adding tbis to my faves for so many reasons:-) hugs Jan xx a

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 2/1/2020 11:16:00 PM

I guess I see the world more darkly now - so appreciate your support, Jan