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Thursday, April 18, 2013

In the wake of more senseless tragedy

Today's little ditty is in response to what happened this week at the Boston Marathon.  It is inspired by Fred Rogers, a man whose spirit will always live in my imagination's beautiful neighborhood.

 
 

In the Wake of More Senseless Tragedy

Look for the helpers,
                     healers,
                     carers,
                     arms-open,
                     heart-holding,
                     warm-smile-wearers.
Seek out the heroes,
               the everyday joes
               with offers of food,
                                      a bed,
                                      warm clothes.
Follow their lead,
     harness your power—
          spread kindness and love 
                in your own finest hour.
Be who you are,
     fan your flame at the source,
          and ask, “What can I do to change Future’s course?”


© 2013 Michelle Heidenrich Barnes.  All rights reserved.

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14 comments:

  1. TabathaApril 19, 2013 at 7:01 AM

    Thanks, Michelle. We needed that.

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    1. Michelle Heidenrich BarnesApril 19, 2013 at 10:03 AM

      Thanks for your comment Tabatha. It would also be true to say that I needed to write it.

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  2. Irene LathamApril 19, 2013 at 11:22 AM

    Yes, Michelle, and here you are being a helper by writing and sharing this poem. Thank you. Fred Rogers continues to be an inspiration, doesn't he.

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    1. Michelle Heidenrich BarnesApril 19, 2013 at 12:56 PM

      Oh Irene, thank you for pointing that I am being "a helper"-- honestly, it didn't even occur to me. :) I've loved Mr. Rogers ever since he taught me the recipe for modeling clay many moons ago.

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  3. Andromeda JazmonApril 19, 2013 at 2:09 PM

    This is encouraging. Thanks so much for sharing it with us! I am looking for all the light and kindness I can gather.

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    1. Michelle Heidenrich BarnesApril 19, 2013 at 4:49 PM

      Thanks for your kind words, Andromeda. I'm glad I could help in a small way.

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  4. Amy LVApril 19, 2013 at 3:18 PM

    I love how you extended that wonderful quote into a beautiful poem. Thank you for the light... (And what is the recipe?) a.

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    1. Michelle Heidenrich BarnesApril 19, 2013 at 4:57 PM

      And thank you for the lovely comment, Amy! The recipe is "one part salt, two parts flour, mix with cold water to make modeling clay." But in order to get it just right, use dixie cups to measure each "part" and recite the recipe aloud over and over again in a sing-songy, Mr. Rogers kind of way. ;)

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  5. CarolApril 19, 2013 at 10:12 PM

    I have loved this quote for many years. Thanks for your gift of this poem!

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  6. CathyApril 21, 2013 at 12:25 AM

    Love. It. I've seen this saying a lot over the last few days, but I enjoyed the way you really deepened the words and added some rhythm.

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    1. Michelle Heidenrich BarnesApril 21, 2013 at 10:47 AM

      Thanks Cathy-- Mr. Rogers has always brought out the best in me. :)

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  7. Mary LeeApril 21, 2013 at 6:16 PM

    Welcome to blogging and to Poetry Friday!

    Your poem is a perfect response and reminder.

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    1. Michelle Heidenrich BarnesApril 22, 2013 at 10:30 AM

      Thanks so much, Mary Lee-- and thanks also for A Year of Reading where I just spent the last half hour or so of my morning!

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