The Cry

I'm sorry, my friend, that you now have The Cry
Deep from the gut, powered through the throat
Flattened with face to the floor
Spine twisting
Abrupt and looming
Cathartic and primitive
But shameful, loathsome, and possessive
Joy-depleting, age-accelerating,
Friend-confusing, family-frustrating
Tears drain away parts of your soul

But I remember who you are is who you were
The glide of innocence is gone
The bumps warned of have come
I pray for rapid return
Of your former state of mind
Of the uninhibited and lasting smile
The one I knew before the mask went on
May your face be resistant to the digs of the frown
To the wrinkles that crack me
To the pounds that weigh me down
May time pass quickly and busily
And new love come soon to soothe and swoon
Who you are is who you were
and who you will be someday too