The Cost of Empathy

The Price of Reflection 

I write what I feel 

what you feel 

what they feel 

This has always been my gift 

At times 

I write what I feel 

without knowing 

it’s what I feel 

I write 

what I see 

what I sense

rising from you 

I allow my head 

to convince my heart 

I am writing 

about you—

But in truth 

I am writing 

about my reflection 

in the mirror 

of your concern 

I discovered myself 

inside what you carry

When I write 

about your struggle 

I am writing 

about our struggle 

While 

I can never 

fully separate 

my wounds 

from the wounds 

I witness 

Perhaps 

I am hoping 

I will see 

your strength 

your courage 

reflected in me 

I recognize

my own hurt

living quietly

inside you 

and I watch

where your courage

begins to rise

In the reflection

of your strength

I learn

what I have yet

to claim—

how to find

that same rising

in me 

© Ron Simpson Jr. 

May 22, 2026