What If

11/04/2021 – Poem a Day Compilation



What if we choose to be kind?

To give of ourselves

Our time and our energy

To support those around us



What if we choose to give thanks?

For the things that others do for us

For help that we receive

And for the privilege that we have



What if we choose to stay positive?

Even in the face of obstacles

That threaten to derail us

And spread love to our neighbours



What if we choose to embrace humanity?

If we lifted up those who lift others,

If we celebrated family and community,

If we look past our differences



What if …

Human

11/09/2020 –  Poem a Day Compilation



Today is the eleventh day of the ninth month.

There are no words to adequately describe

The effect the events of this day,

So far away from my little home

And all those years ago now,

Have had on the world.



The lessons we take from this day,

They’re mostly harsh.

Trust no one. Suspect everyone.

    But maybe,

        Just maybe,

We can also take the biggest lesson of all –

If people work together

    Stand together

        Support each other

In times of need, anything is possible.



We can, and will, get through it all,

Even the darkest hours in our lives:

    On a personal level,

        On a social level,

            On a political level,

                On a global level.



All we need to do is stand up

And be counted as someone

Who stands up for the little guy,

    Who will not allow the bullies to win,

        And who will fight the violence

With the most powerful of words:



I am human.



Above the all the divisions we create

    Of race or religion,

        Of colour or creed,

            Of socio-economic standing

                Or of political allegiance,

You have a bond with every other person

Who shares this planet with you:



You are human.



We are all born free from hate and fear.

We are taught to separate ourselves

Into enclaves and classes

Instead of embracing all that makes us one.



None of us are better that anyone else,

    Not the person next to you,

        Not the CEO on their private jet,

            Not the beggar living on the streets,

                Not the family man, 

                    Not the single mother,

                        Not the career-driven,

                            Not the holiday-taker.



We are human.



Our actions reveal our own humanity.

Reveal yourself time and time again

To be the kind,

    To be the tolerant,

        To be the accepting,

            To be the welcoming,


To be the supportive,

    To be the warm,

        To be the loving,

            To be the generous,



To be the gracious,

    To be the humble,

        To be the proud,

            To be the selfless,



And to be the magnanimous.



But most of all,

Reveal yourself to be that

Which defines us all.



Reveal yourself to be human.