Empathy

This poem was inspired by the documentary "Turtle: The Incredible Journey". I actually wrote half of it in my head, and I'm just getting it down onto paper

Empathy

Empathy,
I know you see me;
You can hear me when I call.

But you turn away,
Each and everyday,
Another goes on without you.

I miss you,
And the comfort that you bring.
There is no Empathy left for me.

Understanding, where have you gone?
Blown away in the summer breeze,
Tempting to follow you.

And Ignorance, why do you stay?
I wish you would go,
I do not want to know you.

Hope stand by my side,
Silent and observant.

While Doom looms near me,
I pay him no attention,
For he has nothing for me.

But I ask you, Empathy,
Why have you gone?
Why do you not stir the hearts of many?

You play favorites,
I see you,
Only joining few of the many.

I watch the Turtle as she climbs through the waters,
The oils and man of war slowing her path,
Why have you left her?

Still, she moves,
Her hard shell holds against the rocks and jutted shores.

I see you,
Empathy.

I will always hold you with me,
And with you comes Understanding,
For she never leaves your side.

Doom distances himself from me,
For Hope speaks against him when she is in our crowd.

And Ignorance,
He stays shortly behind,
For he has no interest in us now.

Empathy,
Please don't stray from me.

Author's Note

Honest critiques and reviews, I've turned off ratings for the time being.

---
A/N: This was written because of a documentary I watched about the journey of a turtle, from birth till death. It was a really interesting thing to watch, and I was brought to tears.

I don't see a lot of empathy in people these days. And that's a horrible thing to lose, because empathy is a big part of humanity. When you lack empathy, you forget others' emotions and pains, concerned only with yourself.

I don't really like the idea of that.

That's why I wrote this.

Reviews

[Jack Isaac]

I'm familiar with this cast of characters (like Herman's Head), and I find that Empathy is most likely to get confused, maybe wanders aimlessly at times. The killing of a turtle or the killing of a chicken, how do we teach Empathy which one is wrong? Empathy gets so confused as to just run away from home. Fortunately, in this case, Hope is able to call (her?) back. So, then you made this one exceptional point about Understanding's attendance... yes! Empathy won't be confused teamed up with Understanding, and your poem is a smashing success. Nicely done Miss Evans! Well-put insight, and a beautiful sentiment.

[Chris]

Empathy, quite the subject. It assumes knowledge and a willingness to care...

Movies, documentaries, and most presentations are nearly always edited to induce a specific type of feeling in the myriad of viewers and/or audiences.

Poets tend to work and edit to first induce and then enhance the listeners' emotional response to their thoughts. The words as perceived by each listener develop an understanding that the poet hopes is guided or at least influenced by the Poet's thoughts. The level of 'directness' is influenced by the ability of each listener to have an emotional awareness of the work.

I understood what you are saying here... and I read it through - but you really didn't draw me in to WANT to read it through. I don't know that I am an average reader/listener. I came because YOU basically asked to be heard by being here at WC and then joining the SCI Group and I listen to those that attempt to reach beyond their 'comfort'.

I actually found your Author's Note to be more drawing and real - quite good actually. It could stand alone after a minor bit of editing. It has impact, heart, interest, clarity and a message that says MUCH about you as a person and author. And isn't that really what we as writers and poets want - to be heard?

Take care,
Chris

[The XYZ Writer]

The way you personified the feelings (like ignorane and empathy) was really cool. The message in this poem is so real. I wonder why empathy is leaving us. A world without empathy huh? Scary to think about. I hope this poem inspires others as it has inspired me!!

[Summer D.]

@Teralyn:

Gorgeous! I have to say this is one of your best poems. I honestly got the impression that you were speaking to a person ( I think that was the intended thing here, haha) and very few writers can pull that off. That's the second weirdest source of inspiration I've ever heard of, Zelda being the first. Great job.

Don't forget.
A world without morals.
Oooo, inspiration!
I FEEL A POEM COMING ON.

Thanks for that.
Cheers~

Summer.

[Ami N.]

Outstanding poem! I love the message behind it and I love how you personify each thing; it makes it seem so much more real.

I agree with your author's note. I would not want to experience a world without empathy. Sadly, it's drifting in that direction.

All in all, great write :)

[Veronica Lynn]

I love it Teralyn!