Stream of Tears

Posted on by jonicaggiano

Smooth white rocks line the familiar bed
A sad child sits close beside me by the stream
Providing me a harbor where I come to scream.

Yabbies, mountain lobster or mudbugs
Crawdads swimming against Nature’s mirror
I point them out to the girl who is now nearer.

Appalachian bristle fern surrounds us
No one will attend my nursing graduation
I share my news with these spirited crustaceans.

There will be no pictures or celebrations
Tadpoles are frolicking in a delightful fashion
My walk onstage will offer up silence, not passion.

Tears forming in my sore eyes yet once again
As I lean over, I see them mixing with the stream
This place of God’s where I come back to scream.

Who is this child I wonder as she offers me a hug
My parents drunk again, why on this specific week
The River Birch’s leaves begin to clap and speak
Myself and I have returned for refuge at the creek.

By Joni Caggiano 1/13/20

During school, I worked two jobs to pay for my college. It was not unusual for my parents to be absent for any family activity throughout my entire education. When the ceremony ended, I was standing by myself. I watched while parents, grandparents, and siblings showed other students such love and pride. Many received large armfuls of flowers. Feeling sad, I was very blessed that a friend saw me all alone and offered to take a picture with her family’s camera. This picture, the only one I have to share, was an exceptional blessing.

Photo was taken by a fellow nursing student.

30 thoughts on “Stream of Tears”

  3. Perhaps you were alone but at least you had God at your side and a thoughtful friend taking your photo. The others there with their families you only see the public faces not what goes on behind the scenes. So many with fake families doing what is expected of them. At least nobody was stood there showing a false front. Bless you Joni, by yourself you did this full of strength the disappointments you had already shed.

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. You are right I did have God from an early time and he was my strength and still is today. You are right you never know what goes on behind closed doors. Thank you again for your kindness. Love 💕 you. Joni

      Reply

      1. I used to feel uncomfortable being out on my own, eventually going to restaurant or out and about I could see I was at peace where others where bickering with annoying children misbehaving, I was free of all of this.

  4. Again, you are an amazing human being, graduating & making your life plans despite your terrible family life. You are meant to be on this earth. Love you

    Reply

    1. Hi buddy so wonderful to hear from my best and dearest friend. Your words are kind , compassionate and thoughtful just like you. Thank you dearest Janette for reading and commenting. I love you. 💕 Your grateful friend. Joni

      Reply

      1. Having read your incredible post and the fact that I’m away from office, trust me I’m having blessed weekend. 😅 Hope you have a weekend that is as glorious as your words.😁

      2. Thank you so much Sidharth. I really appreciate your gracious comment. It means a lot. I just read your story the Butler and I still can’t get over how amazingly drawn to it I was. So intriguing and so many great twists and turns. Have an amazing rest of your weekend. Love 💕 Joni

  6. Oh gosh, Joni–this is so painful (I spent a lifetime hoping one day my mom would find something about me worthy of her praise, pride…and love; never happened). I love your photo–I’ll bet you’re a wonderfully compassionate nurse. And I wanted to mention also, you have an “old-fashioned beauty” which reminds me of dear Emily Dickinson, my kindred poet soul 🙂 <3 Blessings to you this day, and always–and heaps of LOVE 💕

    Reply

    1. I am so sorry to hear that tragic information. Rhen I am certain that you have so many wonderful and compassionate qualities worthy of praise and admiration. I hope you have embraced your inner child and celebrated all that is special and wonderful about you! Thanks again for your kind compliments they are humbling. I love 💕 you Rhen. Joni. Have a truly blessed day.

      Reply

      1. I’m still learning to be compassionate, more like Jesus…wishing the process of the Holy Spirit’s transformation of my character was faster. But we just lean into Him and persevere, right? Much love to you <3 <3 <3 Today is a much-blessed day, thank you!! 🙂

      2. I am so glad it has been a blessed day Rhen. We are all a work in progress luckily God loves us anyway. He will never forsake us once we belong to him. I find so much comfort in knowing that. Love 💕 Joni

      3. Oh, Joni–you and me both, regarding joy and relief that HE will never let go of us once we’ve accepted HIS free gift of salvation…plus all the bonus packages!! I made lasagna to share tomorrow with my neighbor, who I’ve just learned is a sister-in-Christ too–I’ve waited long years for God to bring someone with a Jesus-heart to live in our small subsidized complex…I’m so excited, and grateful!! She has her late mom’s old Bible–but says it’s too fragile to use daily…so, wouldn’t you know I had a brand new large-print Bible I’ve been waiting to give to someone?? Oh, she was so thrilled she had tears in her eyes–these are the best kind of days with HIM!! Wish you were next door too–if you like lasagna, I made tons 🙂 🙂 💕💟💕

      4. Sounds wonderful, what a lovely blessing, your new neighbor. I am so happy for you. God brought this woman to you for shared love of our Lord and friendship. So grateful for you. That Bible was meant for her. Praise the Lord. Be blessed today too. Love 💕 Joni

    1. Thank you for reading, commenting and the sweet reblog I really appreciate it. I hope your day is full of joy, that laughter fills your home and stars light your path tonight while small fairies sing songs of love in your ears. Have a blessed day. Love 💕 Joni

      Reply

Leave a Reply