Humanity

Along the way, many ticks ago on the clock,
Humans lost their humanity.

We turn our head towards an accident on the road,
Yet we turn our head away when
we pass by the unfortunate without housing.

How could we close our eyes to not see those in
need, pretending they are not there.

How could we close our ears to not hear
those asking for help,
pretending no one is crying.

When did we no longer reach out a hand to give.
Now we reach a hand out to take.

When did we stop trying to lift a person,
to give them a start, to help them back on the road.
Now we split families and put them on
the road to expulsion.

Why did we take our arms, once used to embrace,
and now keep them tight to ourselves,
holding on dearly to what we have.
No longer offering to those
who arms don’t have anything to hold.

Erosion proceeds slowly,
Sometimes so slow it is not realized.
Arms did not close at once.
Just a slow forgetting of how to care.

Let’s open our eyes to see the lacking.
Open our ears to hear the cries.
Reach out our arms to give support.

Let’s take some time to just give company.
Talk about anything, subject does not matter.
It’s not about solving their hardship
in that moment.
It’s about reminding them
that they were never meant to carry it alone.

Acknowledge those whose
only wish is to be seen.
But who remain hidden out of fear.
Invite them in, not chase them away.
Work to keep families together.

Do not point out differences to exclude.
Welcoming in differences adds to us;
We become more complete.

What once stood apart comes together,
moving us toward a fuller whole.
Something greater than ourselves.

Joining together differences in culture
enriches us all with new perspectives,
deeper empathy, and shared creativity.
Unity does not ask for sameness;
only open arms.