I Feel You
A Poem for the Stream of Consciousness Challenge on Empathy
For many people, myself included, the shoes of another can be very difficult to wear. And it's not because we don't want to wear them; it's because each pair has a specific fit. No one can fully grasp the experiences of another individual.
Here lies the challenge. How do we empathize with others when circumstances make it difficult?
It takes dogged determination. Enjoy this little stream of consciousness.
β€οΈπ§‘πππππ€π€π€β€οΈπ§‘πππππ€π€π€β€οΈπ§‘ππππ
Empathyβs Weight
I feel it, the heavy thumping of your heart with mineβshared, reminding us that we are never alone. Your silent sigh tears through the air, and I catch its persistent wave, knowing that without it, the worldβs burdens feel too heavy for you to bear.
β€οΈπ§‘πππππ€π€π€β€οΈπ§‘πππππ€π€π€β€οΈπ§‘ππππ
Isn't it easy to forget? That a story lies beneath each smile, and unbearable pain below each word, Isnβt hard to remember the crucifying anxiousness unless we choose to hear, not just listen?
β€οΈπ§‘πππππ€π€π€β€οΈπ§‘πππππ€π€π€β€οΈπ§‘ππππ
Why do we hesitate to open our hearts, to lift others with our hands when the weight of the burden overwhelms us? But in sharing this heaviness, it lightensβthe simple act of seeing others, of being seen, turns sorrow into a light feather.
β€οΈπ§‘πππππ€π€π€β€οΈπ§‘πππππ€π€π€β€οΈπ§‘ππππ
You and I cannot escape the binds of thisβThe bonds are not in the quiet solitude of our thoughts, but in the spaces between, where empathy makes us whole.
β€οΈπ§‘πππππ€π€π€β€οΈπ§‘πππππ€π€π€β€οΈπ§‘ππππ
It is here, in the knowledge, in the gentle act of care, that we join together the fragmented jigsaw that is this world, one piece at a time.
β€οΈπ§‘πππππ€π€π€β€οΈπ§‘πππππ€π€π€β€οΈπ§‘ππππ
For without empathy, we drift, alone in a desert of silence, each dune relentlessly swallowing, each soul a little more unrestrained.
β€οΈπ§‘πππππ€π€π€β€οΈπ§‘πππππ€π€π€β€οΈπ§‘ππππ
But with itβwe stand our ground, we feel the tug of every soul, and we rise, with not just ourselves in mind, but others.
About the Creator
Michelle Liew Tsui-Lin
Hi, i am an English Language teacher cum freelance writer with a taste for pets, prose and poetry. When I'm not writing my heart out, I'm playing with my three dogs, Zorra, Cloudy and Snowball.
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Comments (6)
Excellent β β¦ well said! I especially like: βFor without empathy, we drift, alone in a desert of silence, each dune relentlessly swallowing, each soul a little more unrestrained.βπ
And a dune stands were a grain blows away.
I am quite moved; these are certainly times to be mindful, oh so grateful and it's never too late to start listening.
This is uplifting read and colorful at the same time
I especially loved the fragmented jigsaw. This was so wonderful!
A wonderful piece on the power of empathy.