Sometimes I Cry

By DJ

I told a million lies now it’s time to tell a single truth
Sometimes I cry!
It’s hard dealing with my pride not knowing whether to fight or flee
Sometimes I cry
Hard to maintain this image of a tough guy
When deep down inside I am terrified!
If I ever told you I wasn’t scared I lied
Struggling to make it back to society and my family
I cry
I cry for my son who I barely see
Due to these mountains
And me and his mom’s beef
I cry for my siblings who never knew their older brother
Because he stayed in the streets
I cry for my grandma who is now deceased
I cry for my life, half of which they took for me
I cry for my anger and rage the only emotions I can show in this place
I cry for how we treat each other inside these walls
I cry for the lack of unity we have most of all!
When will it end I want to know
Till then all I can do is let these tears flow…

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11 Comments

  1. me2poet on July 13, 2016 at 11:54 AM

    Hello DJ,
    I really like this poem and the repetition makes it even more forceful. I hope you can use your writing force to teach others, to prepare for your future, to be strong in the right way.
    Best of luck,
    me2

  2. Adam on July 14, 2016 at 2:39 PM

    DJ, thank you so much for this poem. Your emotion and message are so real and come through to the reader so well. I can feel the sadness and pain even if it is only a small fraction of what you yourself are feeling. Thank you for sharing this. As men in our society I think it is so important to recognize (admit?) that we too feel deep emotions that effect our every waking moments. To say that feeling, expressing or even talking about these emotions is a sign of weakness, I believe, is very dangerous and that is one reason I really connected with your poem. But really, that sentiment is only the beginning. Your writing really allows me to look through your eyes even for just a moment and feel some of the heartache you must be going through. I hope you can find some strength in just being able to recognize and acknowledge these feelings. Because it really does take inner strength to dig deep and find the true fires burning inside of us. Thank you for empowering me to feel okay to feel sad and shed tears for mine or other’s suffering. Thank you for your offering. All my best to you, DJ.

  3. L on August 8, 2016 at 3:16 PM

    Hi DJ! This poem is really wonderful. So many people in society have trouble coming to terms with their emotions. This poem reaches out to humanity and compassion. Wonderful job!!

  4. Kathy on August 24, 2016 at 7:29 PM

    DJ:

    This is a very powerful poem. Free Minds sent it out in an email to supporters about six weeks ago, and I was so impressed with it that I saved it in my email inbox and have gone back to read it several times since then.

    You have addressed a tough topic with courage and style. I hope you are getting a lot of satisfaction from writing.

  5. Federico on September 13, 2016 at 7:27 PM

    Hello Dj,
    I really enjoy this poem. I understand that it is not easy for someone to admit that they cry and they are afraid, you are a powerful person and I admire you from that. Tears can sometimes clean away the pain and it is only a matter of time until you don’t have to cry anymore. Best of luck, DJ

  6. Chris on September 13, 2016 at 9:49 PM

    Phenomenal work!!

  7. Deisy on September 15, 2016 at 8:59 PM

    Dear DJ,
    This poem is very deep and touching. You demonstrate that you have hope and strength. You show that its okay to let free of your feelings and that its never too late to change. I wish the best for you and your son.

    Sincerely, Deisy

  8. Judy on September 17, 2016 at 4:31 AM

    DJ,
    Thank you for opening up so truthfully.
    Thank you for teaching me how to be true to my emotions
    Thank you for showing me that it is okay to cry
    Thank you for your testimony

    Please remember you are still alive
    Please remember there is still a way
    Please remember you can still make it
    Please remember there is still hope

    I know there is light at the end of the tunnel
    I pray one day your tears turn to smile
    I pray for you.

    Judy

  9. Rachel Waldman on October 8, 2016 at 11:11 PM

    DJ- the emotion expressed in this poem is so real and raw. I can feel your pain and despair through your words. I am crying with you.

    Remember- the emotions, tears, and feelings you have are the first step to making positive change. Often times, the ideas and motivation for change are born from despair.

  10. Johnwillbacon on May 29, 2020 at 1:43 AM

    Wow DJ this was touching, I pray that it all works out for you and your family and that God give you strength, and that broken relationships be restored.

  11. eleni on February 12, 2023 at 3:14 PM

    This poem is so powerful and personal. I think it is so important to let yourself feel your emotions, happy or sad, in order to let yourself heal. This author highlights the struggle of trying to keep a brave face when deep down you are unsure and scared. As human beings, we all feel these things and that’s okay! This poem really moved me. It hurts my heart to think about the countless incarcerated people who cannot be with their families, as this poem also highlights. I cannot even image what that must be like. It is incredibly difficult to put out such personal and strong emotions for the world to see, so I’m very impressed by this poem. I wish all the best for you, DJ.. Stay strong!

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