Living Everyone's Pain Poem by Colleen Cleary

When my back hurts,
It's because I carry the weight of the world on my shoulders,
That is why we must let others help with our problems.

When my head hurts,
It's because I understand the world from everyone's perspective,
that is why we must validate everyones' experiences.

When my eyes can't see anymore,
It's because I see everyone's darkest fears emerging,
that is why we must face our fears.

When my feet are blistered,
It's because I walk several miles in shoes that don't fit my feet,
that is why we must let others walk beside us.

When my ears are ringing,
It's because I can hear everyone screaming their quietest secrets',
that is why we must listen to people.

When my words are strange,
It's because I speak everyone's unspoken thoughts,
that is why we must calmly express what we feel.

When my heart is broken,
It's because I help people even when they say I deserve better than them
that is why I stand alone in this world living everyone's [unacknowledged] pain.