
as a tear
escapes my eye,
I resist
even more,
not wanting
to face
the deluge
needing
to pour forth
gritting
my teeth,
searing pain
in my chest,
with a stomach
that won’t last
through
the infinitudes
of plentiful
feelings
bubbling up,
and brewing
straight to the top
so fast
no stopping
them now,
as
the trauma
that became our
very existence,
is exposed,
raw,
beholden,
and,
for so long
lived,
within
our reminiscence
of times
caged
premonition,
that
the dance
now displayed
gives way,
and,
what
pours forth
on a daily basis
is the balance of
a reservoir of tears
held onto,
just like
a vice grip, now
flayed
wide open,
as the tears,
continue
to give way,
playing now
to their
own tune,
as they
so gracefully
dance away the day
-JEFF FLESCH
Jeff grew up in Los Angeles, and now lives in Corvallis, Oregon, where he works in Educational Leadership. Jeff’s interests and passions include personal and professional development, developing new ways to increase access to higher education, and creating inspiration, transformation, and more equity throughout society. Visit Develop. Inspire. Transform. to read more of his thoughts and writing.

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Jeff’s poetry is a beautiful elaboration of pain, hope, and acceptance. This particular piece is a depiction of hurt, turmoil, and the battles we must survive. Tears have never been so beautifully exhibited. They fall from the eyes but hearts must pay the price. Dancing away, they bring relief and cleanse the sorrow.
Congratulations Jeff!
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Dear Terveen, those are such kind words, thank you so much. I am honored to have this poem here, at MasticadoresIndia. A big thank you to you, and the entire MasticadoresIndia team, for your continued support.
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What a fantastic deluge of emotions, very evocatively expressed.
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Thank you so much, Sadje. That means the world to me.
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You’re most welcome Jeff.
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A deluge of pain that stays forever in the memory to become the hurts of a past remembered. Tears reflect the beautiful release of pent up emotions. How liberating after a trauma. Gorgeous poem, Jeff.
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That is beautifully described, Shobana. Resonates with me and is at the heart of this poem. Thank you so much.
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You are welcome, Jeff. The poem resonates with me too, my friend.
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What a beautiful poem! You give dignity to tears and sorrow “as they so gracefully dance away the day”!
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How lucky I am to get to read this comment twice! Thank you so much, Dominic!!
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You’re most welcome Jeff!
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wow such a powerful, raw honest piece of emotions that give permission and acceptance as we move through our day Jeff!
Beautifully expressed💖
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That’s so kind and meaningful to me. Thank you so much, dear Cindy.💖
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Truly happy to hear that Jeff! When you’re happy, I’m happy.
hugs my friend! 💖💖🌷
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What a beautiful piece Jeff. I agree with Cindy, a very raw and visceral piece. Beautifully written. Hugs and love Joni
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Thank you so much, dear Joni. I’m honored you and Cindy see this poem as so. Means so much to me. Love and hugs. xoxoxo
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You are so welcome Jeff. Lovely writing. Love and hugs to you as well. ❤️❤️
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Absolutely beautiful powerful honest poetry!
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Thank you so much, Pragalbha. Your support is so meaningful to me, as is how you read and resonate with my poems. 💙
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You are very welcome 🙏🏼💛
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Beautiful, Jeff! Congratulations!
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Much appreciated, Dawn. Thank you!
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This dance took my breath away, Jeff. So beautiful and at time utterly heartbreaking. Congrats on the publication.
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Oh wow, thank you so much, Diana. What a wonderful comment and compliment. Much appreciated, my friend.
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Absolutely beautiful 👍🏿
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Thank you so much, Jermena. Means a lot to me, my friend. 😊
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What an emotional poem. You amazing, ,Jeff . 💜
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I love this, Jeff! Raw and honest.
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