old ears

when you had ears
you would listen
to what others
had to tell you
in their tears.
you were younger
and no less
compassionate than
now, but you
had an appetite
for such talk.
you'd take on all
words. for hours
you would allow
anyone to speak
and fill you with
their grief,
their troubles.
but that was when
you had ears.
you are older now,
and your
ears are turned
off.