Empathy

I’m trying to be empathetic and I fear my words might ring hollow

And though I have not been in your exact shoes, I know

What it is like to deal with the burden, largely invisible

Of a chronic illness, to deal with much more than symptoms physical

To feel marginalized, unable to participate

In normal life, unable to fully integrate

In the community around you, because your disease

Is unpredictable, it never lets you be at ease

*

I write a few prescriptions that are meant

To improve your condition, I don’t know to what extent

The hidden burden of illness the medications would impact

It is hard to measure it in terms exact

Because the numbers might look good and you might not feel well enough

Telling the world you are having a “bad day” is tough..

*

I understand some of what you go through

And therefore I can truly be empathetic towards you

As I conclude the visit, I hope your good days outnumber bad

With a chronic illness, a fulfilling life can still be had