With Every Promise, Every Tear, Every Time

With Every Promise, Every Tear, Every Time

It's in gratitude
That I clock in
Each and every day

It's in gratitude
That I laugh
And smile my big, goofy smile

It's in gratitude
That I cry
Tears of joy

It's in gratitude
That I bring
My energy and personality to the classroom

It's in gratitude
That I write
Letters of recommendation

Before I finish
Let me dive
Into the tears I shed for you

You will find anger
Over the injustices done against you
In my tears

You will find sorrow
For the pain you feel
In my tears

You will find joy
For the smiles on your faces
In my tears

You will find pride
For all that you accomplish
In my tears

You will find hope
For the better future you can make for this world
In my tears

You will find gratitude
For being the best students and amazing people
In my tears

What you will never find
In these tears
Is so much as a single drop of shame

When you fail
I don't cry
I cry in awe when you try again

So why don't I drown
In so many tears?
Well that question brings me to the end

Like the unstoppable oceans
Of this vast and endless world
My tears have strength

However, it is a strength
From without, not within
It's a strength given to me by you

Thank you for giving me the strength
To lift trophies, wear medals, hold certificates
The strength to cheer, smile, and beam with pride

Thank you for giving me the strength
To say with confidence
That I love you all and always will

It's in gratitude
That I finish this poem
With this promise:

When I say I will always
Be here for you
I mean it with every tear I shed