Experience of the Others

I wonder what it feels like for the other kind
Both so close and so far from me

Top-heavy, strength for granted
Lifting other beings with ease
Carrying their loves across thresholds 

Driven to distraction
When faced with beauty that pulls 

Judged for the history of their kind
Even while having done
Nothing cruel themselves 

Taken seriously
But expected to be first to die 

Chemically driven to achieve
To strive higher and higher 
To prove oneself 
To conquer, battle, possess

Raised ashamed of tears 
Given rights to so little
Of our vast human emotional potential    
Cast out for expressions  
Permitted only for the other half 

What does it feel like
To be touched, stroked, enveloped 
To give to one who takes 
Eagerly from what you offer 
To want to push and push
And push some more  
Begging, begged, or both 

And what of that crescendo
They chase with such need
Base, physiological need to sow
I wonder
How much is drawing in pleasure
How much is understanding another
And how much is chasing away madness

January 17, 2025