Don't Cry

Don’t cry, 
Your mother has only, 
Just cried herself to sleep. 

Don’t cry, 
Your father has only, 
Tempted to pull the trigger. 

Don’t cry, 
Your sister has only, 
Traced her finger along her veins. 

Don’t cry, 
Your brother has only, 
Two pills left from his prescription. 

Don’t cry, 
Because if you cry instead of smile, 
You’re afraid that all their worlds will crumble. 
Their lives are rested on your stronger shoulders. 

If you shed a tear, 
Mother may not wake, 
Father may not hesitate, 
Sister may not feel a pulse, 
And brother may not gain control.