Empathy

“Empathy is emotionally connecting oneself with another in his hardship and pain, showing compassion and loving concern” ~ by Poet Through the country paths, I lazily loitered Watching Nature in its changing hue Straying farther into the interiors Sundry and sublime vistas came into view It was almost the end of verdant spring Summer’s sun stood behind my head Bleat of lambs was heard from far "Good day to you"….. Someone said. There stood on the plain, a boy around thirteen Obviously, he was of tribal breed With a beaming smile, he greeted me But on walking to him, he ran like a steed I saw him disappear behind the trees And enter into a hut tiny as a nest He lived in the lap of Mother Nature Far from the city and its sooty dust Being coaxed, he hesitantly came out My tone of assurance and pleasing smile Seemed to have won his confidence As to a friend, he shared his eventful tale Pointing to the sheep grazing in the slope He said, he earned a living caring the flock He stayed in the woods all day long Feeding and tending his master’s sheep From dawn to dusk, through woods and meads He leads his sheep, calling them by their name Un vexed, with simple pleasures he is content And with a nomad’s life, he seems to be tame He said at home he has his invalid mother Bringing her back to health is his mission in life On referring to his mother, I watched his eyes glitter Nothing other than her illness posed to him a strife From every utterance, I could sense his filial love Even in abundance while shadows line many faces On his visage, hope lingered as a dancing flame To me he seemed above many, rich in other graces While parting, I handed him some money Pausing unbelievingly with moist eyes He accepted it when a breeze passed caressing us As if over the show of empathy, nature seemed to rejoice! Feb.13.2023 ~ Placed Second~ Writing Challenge- E Word Poetry Contest Sponsor- Constance La France