A Poem

I have known the burning torture of
desire better than the greatest lovers
of my generation.
I have reached the peaks of happiness only to
turn away from their greatness.
I have seen minds tortured over and over
for love, loss, hardship and pain.
I have heard the tale that life is death
and art is no more.
I have wept with the lonely angels who could
not find their way home.
I have picked up the shattered dreams of others
and held them to my breast.
I have felt the pain of the lonely in the crowd.
I have lost the faith that has sustained a
nation.

I will take your pain, your hurt, your loneliness, your loss
your discord and fear.
I will take it with me and live it as my own.
And you will see my burden.
And you will see my agony.
And you will watch me through plastic eyes
and say,
"I have only my pity to offer you."