[b][u]The Empath's Pain[/u][/b]

I have to be careful
When I look at another
If they are in pain
I could be in trouble
Pain is a maw
Poised ready to swallow
If I'm not careful
I might make it double
When I see pain
In the eyes of another
Even my sister
Even my brother
Their pain becomes mine
And I become such a wreck
I'll lash out for the hurt
Now lodged in my chest
It's not mine
It's not mine, I say
But this pain of another
Desires to stay
It's an arrow buried deep
A poison swallowed down
Deep in that maw
I just might drown
"It's not mine!" goes the mantra
My quiet, dubious plea
I'm not so sure anymore
If who's hurt isn't me