Empathy’s embrace

Beside his bed, a wearied form,
Youthful but burdened by a storm.
A sorrow's weight upon me pressed,
Intruding gently, I confessed.
"I need to draw your blood," I said,
His arm extended, veins misled.
His past, unchosen, came to light,
A life constrained by endless night.
"My mum sent me for drugs," he sighed,
A child's innocence denied.
Addiction's grip, a cruel embrace,
A journey he did not choose to face.
Tears welled within my empathetic gaze,
His story haunting, like a maze.
A burden too heavy, a path too rough,
His young heart's journey far too tough.
"I'm sorry for your pain," I sighed,
In whispered words, our hearts were tied.
Judgment's folly, now crystal clear,
Empathy's light must always steer.
Compassion, understanding, be our creed,
For others' battles, hearts must heed.
In encounters raw, lessons unfold,
In empathy's embrace, we all find gold.