But For~by Paul F. Lenzi

 

 

But For

“Compassion” by Dale Wicks

I see
desperation
privation
all manner
of suffering
not self-inflicted
external imposed
by the vagaries
tending existence
of circumstance
leaving me feeling
conflicted
both lucky and guilty
a clash of
abstractions
impulsive of
bio-psychology
raging unbidden
inside of the soul
is that conflict
where motile
compassion is born
is it sired by guilt
irresistibly drawn
into action
is agápē love
at its ethical
empathic root
or does fear
father sympathy
fear that strikes
lustily sharply
excited by realizing
there but for grace
of inscrutable God
might go I