175) Empath

You feel it all don't you,

Empath?

A friend made redundant,

Nothing to do,

Bored and despondent,

You feel it all,

Life's wrath.

You feel it all don't you,

Empath?

Friend's brother in a serious crash,

No one had a clue,

Life potentially taken in a flash,

You feel it all,

Fate on the warpath.

You feel it all don't you,

Empath?

Death of a friend's grandparent,

Old, to be expected too,

Their grief and therefore yours transparent,

You feel it all,

Universe's cruel math.

You feel it all don't you,

Empath?

Best friend's sister-in-law's miscarriage,

Boss' stepdaughter's divorce, a shame to be true,

Close friends' delayed marriage,

You feel it all,

2020's aftermath.

You yourself may have been protected,

But that doesn't mean you weren't indirectly affected.

Yes, you may be considered blessed,

But what about all the hopelessly depressing rest?

As you seem to get older,

The more second-hand burdens you shoulder.