A Test of Empathy

Posted on July 19, 2020 by Charles Yallowitz

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I watch it unfold
A test of the heart
Can you act to protect another?
Shield a stranger from harm
Even if it requires discomfort?
Do you care
Beyond your circle?
These questions are silent
Never being spoken
Drowned by screams
Desires of the I
Facing the shouts of the us
Anger boiling
While lives are snuffed
Before their truest time
Bodies pile
As the fighting stretches
I hear many cry
This does not concern me
It is not my problem
My circle is safe
Ignoring the stories
Of those who suffer
And others driven to the other side
We face a test of empathy
And my heart breaks
At the sight of so many failing

About Charles Yallowitz

Charles E. Yallowitz was born, raised, and educated in New York. Then he spent a few years in Florida, realized his fear of alligators, and moved back to the Empire State. When he isn't working hard on his epic fantasy stories, Charles can be found cooking or going on whatever adventure his son has planned for the day. 'Legends of Windemere' is his first series, but it certainly won't be his last.
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23 Responses to A Test of Empathy

  1. Darlene says:
    July 19, 2020 at 8:06 am

    Well put! Thanks.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  2. Cynthia Reyes says:
    July 19, 2020 at 8:07 am

    A powerful poem about our times, Charles.

    Liked by 2 people

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  3. Stine Writing says:
    July 19, 2020 at 8:42 am

    Wow, great message

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  4. Ionia Froment says:
    July 19, 2020 at 10:16 am

    Desires of the I…is a poignant way of putting it. Beautiful work, Charles.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  5. Cindy Georgakas says:
    July 19, 2020 at 11:33 am

    Thank youQ Excellent… love…….
    And my heart breaks
    At the sight of so many failing.
    mine breaks often and Sometimes love and light is the best we can do.
    Have a great Sunday!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. Bette A. Stevens says:
    July 19, 2020 at 3:14 pm

    Wonderful, Charles!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  8. John W. Howell says:
    July 19, 2020 at 3:35 pm

    Perfect poem for the times. Well done, Charles.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  9. DebyFredericks says:
    July 20, 2020 at 11:29 am

    That is brilliant, and so on-point for our times.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  10. Dad, it's Liam says:
    August 4, 2020 at 5:02 am

    Do you care beyond your circle? Oh yes! Probably too much. Thanks for sharing 😀

    Liked by 1 person

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