This is one thing that I can help kids of all ages do empathize with others. I think a lot of modern poetry is actually quite easy to understand. Yes, a child's literary education isn't complete without a knowledge of poetry. No, poetry has little practical value and should only be offered as an elective. I ask them to riff on that, and write apology poems.
Kids can relate to guilty pleasure.
I give my students poems that are written by adults for adults. It's like when your mom buys you a shirt that's too big. Next year it'll be perfect. These are poems kids can grow into. They may get something out of it this year, and more if they come back to it next year.