As I Look Down

I look down 

upon his broken form

upon his humbled spirit

as my hands bleed

from the pieces and shards

of his shattered heart.

I look down

into his frozen eyes

into his fading soul

I open him up

as he moans in pain

as he aches for death.

I look down

with childish curiosity

with fumbling fingers

through laughter and sorrow

fears, wants, and smiles

through longing and despair.

I look again

inside myself this time

there is nothing  here

clean and neat and empty

an empty hollow shell

Yes, all is well.

I look down again 

with pity in my gaze

pity for his burden inside

and as he looks back

I'm surprised to perceive

my pity reflected in his eyes.

As I wonder why

he leans  into my ear

and his soul echoes into mine:

"You will never know

the privilege of humanity,

the true meaning of life."

Reviews

[Knightingale]

I love how this poem analyzes humanity through the least likely source: someone lacking it. Well written once again.

[Judy Basmaji]

That's a very nice way to put it, thank you!