Price for Suffering

There is a price
for suffering,

and I know suffering.

But I will not tell you
it brings only pain,
haunting memories,
isolation and tears...

it also brings
a greater capacity
to love,
to embrace the suffering of others,

it brings
understanding that seeps
below the surface
seeing behind
what is shown in the eyes.

I feel beyond  feeling,
I know what pains you...

I make you uncomfortable,
because you are afraid
to see what I see...

you will stone me,
condemn me

and attempt to alienate me
even further from your world.

But you see,
there is a price for suffering,
one you won't allow yourself
to experience,

too steeped in pain
to see the gift,

so sit on your throne
and judge me,

but I know the truth,
and I smile in spite

of your ignorance...

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