I know a girl who danced every day 

Swinging maniacally like a wildflower, 

From sinking empathy to carefree apathy

Some days sunny, others dark. 

Her naive eyes scanned the outside world

Looking, but not really seeing,

Sights of smiles and tears in equal measure

Looking was enough, it felt easy.

Her keen ears took in the sounds of life

Hearing, but not really listening,

Through stories of joy, struggle, and pain

She embraced the feeling of not feeling. 

Practice makes perfect, this she knew well

So she tried to practice apathy too, 

But the facade grew tiresome, her heart ached

For earnest joy, even if it meant feeling blue. 

Time was her teacher, and she took notes

“The bravest thing you can do is feel”

Now years later, she dances, unafraid, 

Her steps light, her nerves, steel. 

Today she holds the hands of those

Who smile brightly to hide their grief, 

And her fervent prayer is a cry for help

To choose empathy over apathy.