Heart-rending (8)
(Other definitions for pathetic that I've seen before include "Inspiring pity, contempt" , "arousing contempt" , "Derisory" , "Tip cheat - truly sad" , "Sadly inadequate" .)
'heart-rending' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for poignant that I've seen before include "Heart-rending" , "Distressing" , "Deeply moving - no taping (anag)" , "pathetic" , "Moving, touching" .)