EMPATHISING
Sympathy is relatively bio-aware,
a communally well-faring reaction
within a physical proximity range.
It needs to personally witness
external hurt, risk or harm
before any impact
to the immediate survival circuits
for self, family, tribe, species.
Whatabout the trodden-on ant
the enemy virus, hungry tiger, neglected waif
not to mention the weepy adverts
for fund-raising charities:
puppies, water-aid, school books,
famine victims - even propping up
welfare, media and state systems
with shaven-headed children, limbless veterans, wills for whales…
pushing that button of care
works so far, until…
And whatof the altruists and philanthropists, the mystics,
patrons, benefactors, peacemakers, whistle-blowers,
and silent orders for agape prayer?
The environmentalists, volunteers, protestors, researchers all seeking
to enhance, rescue or save something or others
of lesser advantage than themselves?
Empathy, the parent of compassion. Compassion - Allah’s Name.