Seeking Empathy’s Reflection
Erjola Shuaipi
In a world that swirls with woes untold,
Where hearts grow heavy, burdened, cold,
A soul laments beneath the weight,
Longing for solace, a pause, a break.
‘Yes, I do show empathy,’ I say,
For I see the struggles in your day,
I offer solace, lend a listening ear,
But sometimes, my dear friend, I fear...
I crave a moment, just a fleeting chance,
For someone to ask, to truly glance,
Beyond the mask I’ve learned to wear,
And inquire, genuinely, how I fare.
Amidst the chaos, the ceaseless strife,
Amidst the clamour that fills my life,
A tender question, simple and sincere,
Would wash my soul, assuage my fear.
How am I dealing with all this?
The burdens I carry, the wounds that split,
Do you see the cracks upon my soul?
Do you sense the pain I can’t control?
A moment's respite, a space to confide,
To lay down my armour, no need to hide,
To share the tales that linger within,
To release the tears that yearn to begin.
For empathy shared is a gift so rare,
But reciprocal care we all need to bear,
In the realm of connection, a vital link,
To mend our spirits, to help us think.
So let us not forget, as we lend our hand,
To seek balance, to understand,
That behind the face of strength we wear,
Lie vulnerabilities we all must bear.
And when you witness empathy’s glow,
Remember, my friend, it's essential to show,
A moment to ask, to sincerely inquire,
‘How are you dealing with all this mire?’
For in the depths of our shared humanity,
We find solace, healing, a newfound sanity,
And the ties that bind, resilient and strong,
Will carry us forward when things go wrong.
Where hearts grow heavy, burdened, cold,
A soul laments beneath the weight,
Longing for solace, a pause, a break.
‘Yes, I do show empathy,’ I say,
For I see the struggles in your day,
I offer solace, lend a listening ear,
But sometimes, my dear friend, I fear...
I crave a moment, just a fleeting chance,
For someone to ask, to truly glance,
Beyond the mask I’ve learned to wear,
And inquire, genuinely, how I fare.
Amidst the chaos, the ceaseless strife,
Amidst the clamour that fills my life,
A tender question, simple and sincere,
Would wash my soul, assuage my fear.
How am I dealing with all this?
The burdens I carry, the wounds that split,
Do you see the cracks upon my soul?
Do you sense the pain I can’t control?
A moment's respite, a space to confide,
To lay down my armour, no need to hide,
To share the tales that linger within,
To release the tears that yearn to begin.
For empathy shared is a gift so rare,
But reciprocal care we all need to bear,
In the realm of connection, a vital link,
To mend our spirits, to help us think.
So let us not forget, as we lend our hand,
To seek balance, to understand,
That behind the face of strength we wear,
Lie vulnerabilities we all must bear.
And when you witness empathy’s glow,
Remember, my friend, it's essential to show,
A moment to ask, to sincerely inquire,
‘How are you dealing with all this mire?’
For in the depths of our shared humanity,
We find solace, healing, a newfound sanity,
And the ties that bind, resilient and strong,
Will carry us forward when things go wrong.
Erjola Shuaipi, known as Lola, has lived in the UK for almost four years, passionately volunteering to give back to her welcoming community. Originating from Albania, she confronts stereotypes and seeks empathy from those who prejudge her without understanding her as an individual. Lola's enduring enthusiasm and empathy drive her to help everyone, irrespective of their background, while she yearns for understanding rather than snap judgments. She invites you to explore her poem and discover her deeper story.
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