A silent pervasive force,
Consumes me.
The harrowing sense of hunger penetrates the air,
It fills me with dread,
With sadness.

The sound of a frail voice,
Begging.
Longing for water,
For comfort.

A child,
Blood streaked his face.
A face of anguish, 
Of terror.

The hurting,
The thumping in my chest, 
Is far more painful than injuries.
Gashes and tears do not compare,
To the bruises inside.

Now, I see.
Now, I feel.
Now, I understand.
...