Empathy

The naginata 

is kinder than the spear

because it cuts across 

and with the spear

I have to lean 

into the blade

to force it through the flesh 

just close your eyes

it is easy to go

under the water

you just have to remember 

to breathe out 

I feel the pain in you

like a brick 

lying on my chest

like an arrow

piercing my heart

but pain isn’t the worst

sensation 

despair with its dullness

is like the pillow

held over the face 

until you stop struggling 

empathy 

taps all of your suffering 

into the core of me

like a needle filled with ink

leaving its mark.