points of empathy

years ago
i lived
the life
of a sponge:
porous,
absorbent
and
self-reliant
years ago
i would have
weighed
your tears
your promises
and your virtues
against my indecision
the perversion
to be needed
and loved
and be your confessor
your confidante
now i cannot
and will not
try to understand
your small cruelties