Phibby Venable
COMPASSION

I climb the vine of compassion
as a vagabond
wandering among the sadness
and heavy clouds
I summon joy with a straight face
until she is encouraged
into the stormy sky
with her by my side
the vine of compassion
is not so difficult
and we are soon high enough
to place candles
side by side
and light wide caresses
across the futile expanse of sky