I didn't cry when my
Grandpa died. I couldn't,
Even when Grandma passed
Away Infront of my eyes.
Tears like frozen packs
Of ice and dead expanse
Of desert refuse to
Yield any water.
The consolations, though
Take off from the bottom of
My stomach, often they
Dry down in my throat.
The dark clouds of this
Unexpressed grief refuse to
Pour down on the aridity
Of my cheeks and the brittle-
Strands of my beard still
Find solace in flaunting
My masculinity- which screams
For help each day-
Without finding an able
Form of expression for
The condolences that
Rot in my belly.