Just today, I felt miffed when considering that someone I am relatively close to refuses to visit because of personal misgivings (my dogs, distance, comfort).
She has just recovered from the flu. After some introspection, I realized that I should be a little more empathetic about her situation - she seldom falls ill and is afraid that going out would increase her likelihood of doing so again.
It is a situation of giving before we receive - we should extend empathy if we want others to do so to us. It takes some active listening, consciously imagining another person's perspective and simply, compassion.
A world of locked hearts is a better place. Enjoy these chinquains.
Hearts lock
When ears open
To listen to lone beats
And the many different rhythms
Of others
Hearts join
When eyes will see
Another's scenic view
Sight so unique and picturesque
Beauty
Hearts meld
When we exchange
Different tones, rhythms, beats
Combine them, fuse them, marry them
One whole.
About the Creator
Michelle Liew
Hi, i am an English Language teacher cum freelance writer with a taste for pets, prose and poetry. When I'm not writing my heart out, I'm playing with my three dogs, Zorra, Cloudy and Snowball.
Enjoyed the story? Support the Creator.
Subscribe for free to receive all their stories in your feed. You could also pledge your support or give them a one-off tip, letting them know you appreciate their work.
Keep reading
More stories from Michelle Liew and writers in Poets and other communities.
I want to grow
I want to grow and I’m going to grow. I’m not going to be this version of myself anymore and you won’t know who I become. You won’t talk to her, or be by her side as she goes through life— you won’t know her. Her heart won’t even remember the small moments that’ve clung to it for so long. I’ll watch her embrace a new life that has nothing to do with you, and there won’t be a space waiting like there has been for far too long.
By Aathavi Thanges6 days ago in Psyche
Comments (5)
Nice work 💯
Wow the flow is very engaging. Of course these feelings are right.
You've said it sooo beautifully in your poem! I loved it!
Sometimes it is hard to hear others' - I get your friend worrying about catching something after just recovering. We try to "hear" what they are trying to tell us, and sometimes are successful and sometimes only resentful but the surrounding experiences color it all. Nice job, Michelle.
“Heart lock when ears open”.. the need to listen and pause seems so strong here. That’s the way to accept other people’s reasons or opinions as not reflecting our own personal feelings 🥹✨🙏 This was beautiful..