a thin line of difference

compassion

com·pas·sion

 [kuhm-pash-uhn]

noun

a feeling of deep sympathy & sorrow

for another who is stricken by misfortune,

accompanied by

a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.

compassion

is a choice.

it is the choice

to pick up a & comfort a child

after they have fallen

& scraped their knee.

it is the choice

to not swat at two bees

after they have flown down

& disturbed your meal.

compassion

is a feeling.

it is that feeling 

of heartbreak

when learning of a friend's recent suffering

& bringing them cookies to let them know you care.

it is that feeling

of humility

when recognizing how your actions have hurt another

& relentlessly reaching out to mend what's been torn.

compassion

is a desire.

it is the desire

to forgive those who have wronged you

in order to love them once more.

it is the desire

to enlighten those with great potential & a tender heart

in order to bring them to a clearer understanding.