Tears On The Face Of A Man Poem by Marilyn Shepperson

The sun streams in through a window
Lighting up the face of a man below
A man who kneels before the altar
Though he no longer has the faith
He had as a child, but there's nowhere else to go
His countenance for a moment, takes on that of an angel
Why does he pray? what is he praying for?
Is there anyone out there that is listening
And if there is, will they answer yes or no
Will they ease his despair; his pain
There are tears running unheeded down his face
Though deep inside he's thankful he's alone
For it is a face he dare not show
To the outside world, where men don't cry
But why should not a man cry
If things become too much to bear
Why would it be assumed that tears
Mean this man is weak
Why would it be wrong for someone
To put their arms around him
And assure him that in spite of all he's feeling
There is someone out there who cares.