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Empathy

Elderly neighbour
Her eyes flecked with humility 
Her reclusive stare that neutralizes wisdom
       (perhaps an unexplored depth of fear)

Nothing much spoken between us beyond "good morning"
No words of pre-sliced acceptance
No unguarded thoughts to take us in a different direction
Uncharted territory in her peek through the door
An eerie sense of communion

Still I shovel her snow
Pity for the empty cradle of old age
Pity for what feels like a failure of love
        my rush to fill the gaps between us

Maybe I need any relationship beyond my look in the mirror
Barren lines of futility 
             fallen shadows
             on winter's fertile ground





Poem composed: July 23rd, 2020 
(revised Jan 2nd/22)

Copyright © | Year Posted 2020




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Date: 2/11/2021 11:08:00 AM
Congratulations on your win. A "Wonderful" story/write. It is great to do something for others. Have a blessed day writing away......................
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Brian Sambourne
Date: 2/11/2021 2:19:00 PM
Hello Paula Your kind words on Poetrysoup.com are small gems. Many thanks. Be well. Sincerely, Brian
Date: 2/11/2021 1:19:00 AM
This was really a moving poem.I am glad I read this. Congratulations on your win.
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Brian Sambourne
Date: 2/11/2021 6:35:00 AM
My appreciation for your thoughtful remarks. Thank you for dropping by. Best regards, Brian
Date: 2/10/2021 7:02:00 PM
Ah! Edward’s contest has indeed brought out these gems! What a superb write! Better titled Empathy instead of Sympathy, in my opinion ... congrats on your top win! God bless!
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Brian Sambourne
Date: 2/10/2021 8:10:00 PM
What a superb suggestion! Thank you for that. I will change the title. I value your thoughtful comments. Much appreciated, Brian
Date: 2/10/2021 1:18:00 PM
Nice to discover this excellent poem, Brian:-) Congrats for placing in my contest!
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Brian Sambourne
Date: 2/10/2021 1:55:00 PM
Thank you for sponsoring such an intriguing contest, Edward. A poem submission with no comments, no reader reaction was certainly an interesting twist (+ enticement) to super contests. Best wishes, Brian

Book: Reflection on the Important Things