Her tears drop
& pool in every
shade of light
painting a pale
dry pavement
Each prism a
priceless story
encased in heart
shaped diamonds
Reminding those
who refused to close
their tattered black umbrellas-
That vulnerability is an art
& not at all a weakness
For if not for the strong-
who would paint the rainbows?
Gretchen Leary 2013
Gretchen Leary (McIntire) 
Oh Gretchen~you truly outdid yourself with this lovely poem. I Love the words you use and I also love the last line. Very powerful work my friend. Vulnerability is a gift if we can see it.
Thank-you so much Linda! That is quite a compliment 🙂
This is such a beautiful poem, Gretchen! The first stanza reminds me of impressionist paintings. Love it when you say “vulnerability is an art” Ofcourse, it is! And this is a tribute to it!
Thank-you Mohana! 🙂
Yes, to celebrate vulnerability is both brave & astute; for it is often tears, of happiness or grief, that spot the words within most of our poetics.
So true! Our ability to be vulnerable is what brings us to life (in my opinion) 🙂
Love this part ~ And it takes courage to do so ~
That vulnerability is an art
& not at all a weakness
Thank-you 🙂
I think people think that being strong means acting tough and sometimes I guess that’s true but ill tell you there was no more amazing and humbling moment I can remember than watching my grandfather cry at my mothers wedding. It was truly amazing.
Thank-you Andrea. 🙂
vulnerability is an art
& not at all a weakness…so true…and i just love, love, love the rainbow close….
Aww thank-you Claudia!
I don’t post a poem unless I like the final line. I can literally hate the rest of it though haha 🙂
That vulnerability is an art
& not at all a weakness
Just like Grace I love that. Just like a willow bends and rise again.
“vulnerability is an art…not a weakness” love that and the entire poem…Liquid lovliness 🙂 xo
Wow, thank-you! 🙂
vulnerability is an art…and def should not be equated to weakness..ha…love your rainbo painting end to this as well gretchen…smiles.
It’s suiting no? 🙂 Anytime I can throw the word prism around I’m a happy camper, love that word. Always have.
Thanks B!
Love the image of the tattered umbrella and those who try to shield themselves from life.
Thank-you, I’m glad that part stood out 🙂
Vulnerability is an art and not a weakness… Bravo for that line, that truth, Gretchen. Blessings to you!
http://www.kimnelsonwrites.com/2013/05/13/tanqueray-and-perrier/
Love the final two lines – they sound almost like a Zen proverb.
Thank-you ! 🙂
I am sounding redundant here, as so many have said the same….but I was really taken by the part that said vulnerability is an art and not a weakness. I could not agree with you more & could not have expressed it better than you have. If someone is not willing to be vulnerable, they are not willing to share their real humanness.
Again…I love the way you weave your words. I have a hard time with poetry…reading. ANd probably my own is not so great-it just comes out of me. But I so appreciate the way your words form beauty.
You describe the gift of vulnerability so well using that rainbow metaphor. Perfect, Gretchen!
Tears painting a pale pavement–what an accurate, fresh image! Very well done.
Oh! I love this! Vulnerability as an art, I never quite thought of it that way. But you are right, who would paint the rainbows?
Loved the closing lines for a profound piece of thought!
WOW!
I’m in the “Amen Corner” on this one, Gretchen, because, as you put it so beautifully, “For if not for the strong / who would paint the rainbows?” Funny how people think of open emotion as weakness, when it’s actually a strength. Every one of the tears that girl sheds onto the sidewalk (liked the painting reference) is a gift from God. Thanks for another great one. Love, Amy
Thank-you Amy 🙂
“Vulnerability is an art …” Amen to that, Gretchen – and it is an art that requires real strength from its practitioners. Thanks for the necessary reminder.
incredible truth here, and beauty. I so enjoyed this!
Very beautiful Gretchen – vulnerability is an art & not at all a weakness – Right on! Thanks for your artistic courage – it is uplifting… With Best Wishes Scott http://www.scotthastie.com
Thank-you 🙂