Pathos

[John]

Not the title, but suggestions invited.

This is my working title, because of the context in which I want the piece be understood:

I WISH I COULD SAY HOW IT IS

I'd like to get a better understanding of the freer forms of verse and its varieties: been working on this for a while. I've given some thought to natural speech rhythms and cadence, and line breaks for emphasis. Input welcome.


No consolation, but
you're not the only ones to grieve -
Death is my living.
Through you.
I chop skulls and dip into brains
like you dip soldiers into an egg.

No morbid fascination, just desire
to understand and help.

Immersion in your grief makes me
grieve -
as you do

Despite what you imagine I'm not inured.
Black humour helps. No false sympathy,
only empathy in grief.

I understand. I really do.

I know their very essence,
and hearts and lungs
and brains and organs
as I know myself.

I know your grief
I share your grief

I understand more than you can possibly know -
I watched a colleague
do my son.

Cheers.