If I don’t weep for your children
How can I weep for my own?
My heart is no greater than yours,
It is not more tender, more loving.
If I do not know your pain
How can I cry for myself?
If I do not recognise your love
How can I know my own?
My love is no brighter than yours,
The bird of my love flies no higher,
The well of my love is no deeper,
The child of my love is not more precious.
The declarative form you have chosen underscores the simplicity and clarity of the message. And it’s profound truth. Clean and refreshing as a glass of spring water, with a perfect finish.
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Oh yes, this is the wisdom of compassion – when we see no stranger, no Other, just another struggling human being. Beautifully done.
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Brilliant! So well put.
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We have been granted – given — allowed — purchased — a terrible permission to forget this central truth: that my breath in is your breath out and vice versa. I can’t exist, love, build without the unity of we. The bird of my love flies no higher, / The well of my love is no deeper, The child of my love is not more precious.” Your song of love or sorrow mine. This should be writ on the lintel of every open link forum … Thanks for writing it here. – B
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We are indeed one body, we all struggle with the same basic truths of life. Sorrow, joy and pain are felt by all of us. If you can’t acknowledge others how can you recognize your own?
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There is so much sadness now and so much to weep for. Your poem speaks of the overwhelming feelings that arise in these difficult time.
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So true Sarah and it’s a feeling we share in our community and support each other wherever we can.
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