Tsuris

Without first-hand experience

We cannot comprehend

What others might be going through,

Although we can pretend

 

To understand the way they feel

As if we do belong

In circumstances similar;

If so, we would be wrong.

 

For everybody’s tsuris*

Is peculiar and unique,

Indescribable to others,

Though comparisons we seek.

 

We suffer in our different ways

And find our means to cope,

While some of us give up

As others cling to shreds of hope.

 

*Yiddish for trouble, woe or aggravation