A Villanelle for Sadness

A Villanelle for Sadness

My child, shed no tears,
Do not let anything move you to cry,
Though things will tempt you through the years.

My words will calm your fears,
If you listen then please try
To stem your flow of tears.

Let your smile bring you cheer,
Let you look up to the sky
And be heartened through the years.

Hands on the wheel you’ll steer,
Though many will ask you why,
Do not let them see your tears.

You may be tormented by your peers,
And on the inside want to die,
But hold on, through the many years.

The meaning now is clear,
My child you’ll get by.
Do not let them see your tears,
You are stronger than your years.