The roots of the 14th century English word "compassion" are from the French for "struggle" and "together". But the roots of its Hebrew twin are much deeper and are shared with the word "rechemet" - "womb". This brings a whole new perspective to compassion ensuring that we consider that even as there is a time for us to hold one another compassionately, there is also a time when we must let go. Focused moment prepared for West Hill United, www.westhill.net

1. Compassion.

2. We
watch
and listen,

3. stand witness to the circumstances
that ravage other hearts

4. and our own are stretched
beyond the comfort of the familiar.

5. We respond,
our actions scripted
by the very word
we seek to live:

6. com-passion – “to suffer” “together”.

7. But more ancient roots
bind us to a deeper truth,

8. a primal connection,

9. the rhythmic pulse that takes us
back to our beginnings,

10. the womb out of which
life pushed us forth.

11. There,
for a time,
was oneness,
satiety,
untroubled truths.

12. May our
hearts
open
with
compassion,

13. create a womb of peace
for those whose lives are stark with terror,
riven with discord, bleak with despair

14. that they may
sense connection,

15. sort
through
troubled
truths,

16. and
find a
fullness
they had
lost.

17. And may life,
in due time,
push them forth once more

18. even as it opens its arms to receive them.

19. Fresh.
New.
Alive.