This piece is dedicated to all those have found themselves surprised by their tears.

I cry for my lost dreams, floating just beyond my conscious reach and for those who never dream.

I cry for all the ways we can’t reconcile our versions of reality.

I cry for the teenagers who got pregnant on purpose so at least someone would love them.

I cry for the news.

I cry for all the insomniacs who know nothing but what it’s like to be on the verge of breaking.

I cry for all the empty text messages, those I received and those I knowingly sent.

I cry for all the stuffed animals that ever got shoved in a box and for those that lost a limb.

I cry for all the parents who ever had trouble talking to the other parents in the pediatric oncology unit.

I cry for all the people who lost their loved ones before it was time.

I cry because I can’t make things perfect, because people will always be disappointed.

I cry because I’m tired.

I cry because we are obsessed with being efficient, yet we waste extraordinary amounts of time.

I cry for all the kids of alcoholic parents.

I cry for everyone who ever thought they weren’t good enough.

I cry for permanently aging spines.

I cry for the high school students who hate themselves for being bad test takers.

I cry for all those who unwillingly had to clean another person’s toilet seat.

I cry because my stomach hurts.

I cry for the ten year-olds who can’t put down their phone to play a game.

I cry for all those who feel too guilty to play their instruments.

I cry for the cutters.

I cry for all facebook friends everywhere.

I cry for all those who are suffering from a mental illness and don’t realize it.

I cry because I feel more vulnerable than you.

I cry for the little kids whose friends told them that they were going to hell because they don’t believe in Jesus.

I cry for the old people who were afraid that their oxygen tanks were bombs that might blow them up.

I cry because ultimately we are fundamentally alone.

I cry for all the handwritten words that ever got thrown away.

I cry because I am flawed.

I cry because I am needy.

I cry because I can’t stop.

I cry because I might lose you.

I cry because I may never have to lose you.