Fatigue

My heart breaks for the ones completely consumed by compassion.

Those unable to see the world’s hurts

and turn a blind eye to them.

Those who can grieve for losses

not their own.

Those who can sit in the darkness with others

times innumerable

and without complaint,

only the softest of hearts.

They are so strong

those who care when it’s easier not to.

They are also the damned

for after pushing everyone up and out of the darkness

on the rickety ladder of hope

so often

they will tell everyone else to go

to climb out of despair

just as the ladder is breaking

and as the last rug snaps

so often they are left falling into the black

sweetest of angels

so often they will fall with a smile

even though their insides are breaking

with the grief of a thousand stories they are holding onto

least someone forgets.

Gentle souls who’d never ask for help

even as they tumble into the abyss

for you I hope

someone will notice you falling

someone will turn around and see the break

someone will reach out

someone will catch you

someone will hold you until it’s ok.