Sympathy or empathy:
which do you choose?

In our lives
many things happen to us
be they good or bad.

When we encounter
many adverse situations,
our morale diminishes
and we feel depressed.

In an effort
to confirm
that we are okay,
we seek out friends
to help us
overcome our troubles.

We can choose
a friend
who will listen
to our woes
and say
"there, there, I know how you feel."

(continues in the book)

© Gary Dodd 2003

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