I cry for you

I cry for you when your mother dies,

Because that’s when I learn that mothers can die outside of stories.

I cry for you when you go out at night,

Because I've learned to fear that something might happen.

I cry for you when you tell me that I'm like her,

Because I know you miss her, but I can hardly remember her.

I cry for you when we go to visit her grave,

Because it's only then that you let us see your pain

I cry for you when even when you don’t cry,

Because I know you’ve gotten too good at holding it in.  

I cry for you at every happy occasion,

Because your father comes with his new wife

I cry for you at every wedding,

Because I know you miss her, and your sister doesn’t even come.

I cry for you because you never met your niece, 

Because she is named for your mother, and your sister doesn't visit.

I cry for you every time we say goodbye,

Because who knows if or when I’ll see you again

I cry for you because I’m afraid,

Because I don’t want to go through anything without you.