The Pain in Someone Else’s Eyes

Oct5

Our voice (no matter how small), our ability to care, empathize, be kind, be a light, be a hand that reaches out, no matter where we are on our own personal journey has become extremely important to me. I felt powerless at this time in the history of our country to help, to affect change, to try to make sense out of the senseless.  But I realized that I am not powerless. I am empowered, with the ability to write words that may touch one heart, or bring a peaceful exhale to one person when they most need it. Or most importantly, words that honestly convey to someone at exactly the right time, that I see you, I hear you, I believe you, and you are worthy.

The Pain in Someone Else’s Eyes

They look so serene
sitting straight
hands slightly clenched
gently laying in their lap.

The cadence of their voice is slow, even, steady, and clear.

The conversation flows.

But when you look into their eyes
the pain of hidden burdens echoes
from the windows of their soul.

You lock in, trying to console the dark
deep pain that oozes quietly
insidiously trying to erode
their dreams of tomorrow.

Giving comfort with a nod
and a gentle smile, you mirror
a silent acceptance of who they are.

Reassuring them that they are seen
and letting them know
that as time passes
it will be okay, that they are okay.

Please don’t turn away
look deep, see and respectfully acknowledge
the pain in someone else’s eyes.

©Alexis Rose, Photo by Tiago Bandeira on Unsplash

Thank you for reading my books: If I Could Tell You How It Feels, and Untangled, A Story of Resilience, Courage, and Triumph    

28 thoughts on “The Pain in Someone Else’s Eyes”

  5. Pingback: The Pain in Someone Else’s Eyes — Untangled – Create Space

  6. Alexis Rose, This poem is ’empathy’ unwrapped! Empathy is a difficult emotions. I think it is a skill we can improve upon, it is trying to be honest about our ability to really feel what that person is feeling. Empathy comes easier if we have lived that same experience. Making judgement calls is easier than going out of our way to really try to see life from that person’s situation. Very thought provoking, thank you!

    Liked by 1 person

  8. I often think that before you can free yourself of something, you have to know what it is, deeply and thoroughly. – defining it is hard vexing work.Well that is how it has worked for me. This poem made me think about that. . .and you said it beautifully.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Thank You! Alyssa, thank you for your willingness to share your vulnerability, not only when you comment but also when you write your posts. I have learned a lot from you about what it’s like to live with MS. Im so glad we’ve connected. 💞

    Liked by 2 people

  17. This is so incredibly beautiful Alexis! I am very guilty of turning my head away so no one sees that pain I am going through. Today I am in an extreme about of pain, well it started last night, but I could not go to work today. It was not because I didn’t want people to see me, it was because I could not sleep at all last night because of the pain. I try to not look at my husband as I do not want him to see the pain even though I know he knows. But thank you for this beautiful and emotional post!!

    Liked by 4 people

  25. Sometimes I turn away so they cannot see the pain in mine. After reading this I will attempt to make eye contact with everyone I pass. Such beautiful words.

    Liked by 5 people

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