What can be said to someone that hurts?
Someone accustomed,
To wallowing away in sludge and dirt...
With given alerts that warn.

What can be said,
To some who struggles?
Toiling needlessly as if a martyr,
Out to prove...
A shackling to a ball and chain,
Is one's mission.

And the one watching this,
Shouting in a voice that has become hoarse...
Becomes just as sickened!
And suggestions from others to quit,
Divorce from it...
Is unbearable to see!
Yet can not leave.

What can be said to someone that hurts?
Someone accustomed,
To wallowing away in sludge and dirt...
With given alerts that warn?
Nothing!
As long as they have someone there,
To witness their despair...
A mutual sharing has become effective,
In the process.

Lawrence S. Pertillar

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-mutual-sharing-has-become-effective/