I don’t like to be broken

I don’t like physical pain

I’ll avoid chores simply to avoid discomfort 

I appreciate when my world view is challenged 

I

I do not like the moral anguish 

I held deeply that Ubuntu

Was an expression of love and compassion 

Now I wonder if it is an exhibition of the Stockholm syndrome 

Listening to “Caste” 

I learn of a boy

Offering free hugs

Seen as offering forgiveness 

A symbol of compassion 

Later murdered by his parents 

When their motives as saviors became questioned 

I need to be broken

But are my responses 

Are my exhibitions of compassion 

Premature signs of Stockholm syndrome 

Because you, humanity, have my heart

My soul

I need your compassion to survive