I know

I know sadness all too well
That is why I am sympathetic
Lending an ear to others’ woes
And a shoulder to cry on

I know hunger too intimately
And I can’t stand his presence
I would rather be half full
Than see another half empty

I know despair’s gory glory
And all its macabre ravages
So I give all the hope I can
Though I may have none myself

I know helplessness and weakness
Though I wish I never did
So I always go to others’ aid
And lift the downtrodden

I know shame and embarrassment
And I am embarrassed to admit
That’s why I put on others’ shoes
And empathize with their predicaments

I know the loneliness of solitude
And the emptiness it causes
So I always reach out to others
Though I be a loner myself

I know the pain of unrequited love
The anguish of impossible love
But this I know not how to mend
As my heart is already broken

© GIDRAF MWANGI