Empathy

Damn you, empathy.

I take in problems that aren’t mine

like stray dogs off the street.

There’s always one more that needs rescue

and I will open my home,

even if it means having less space for myself.

They watch me tear apart in the back-and-forth

knowing I can easily pull away and keep myself together.

But I won’t.

It’s a stretch, I can handle it,

but I’ll let you tear me to pieces if it helps.