Cowardice in the wake of a lie that I solemnly knew Complacent in fear Brought to the brink of my shortcomings Scrape away this violence Indifferent to the suffering I will not ignore something larger than me Break down these old walls, rebuild and start again Relinquish this pain, adopt a newfound growth This can never fade until the last cage empties There's a hand resting on my shoulder And it wants me to be gentle and sensitive Empathy to serve a purpose Protect them the voiceless ones Love them as I'd love another I see a hope in empathy This starts with compassion, compassion and you Give up yourself and see them as they do