I’m not my brother’s keeper
prefer to help as asked
healthier done side by side
some foist themselves unwanted
arrogant and self-righteous
presumptuous they override
some may not be ready
best done at their pace
help not mixed with pride
real healing can transpire
dVerse, 44 words ‘keep’ , Kim
I like your interpretation of the words from the story of Cain and Abel, Kate, and the wise advice that this are ‘healthier done side by side’.
LikeLiked by 2 people
thanks for your prompt Kim, this poem arose immediately from a headline I read recently 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this line, and thought.
“healthier done side by side”
LikeLiked by 2 people
best way to allow real healing 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
We all have to know our own limitations and those we choose to help need to also respect what we are willing to give. Every relationship needs compromise and cooperation.
LikeLiked by 3 people
wisely summarised thanks Jules!
LikeLiked by 1 person
KEEP AWAY
I’m not my brothers keeper
I’m not my mothers child
I am the ghost. The sleeper
I’ve woken and I’m wild
I’m not to be mistaken
For a friend. I am the foe
Beware what you awaken
Be careful what you know
44 words!!!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Excellent, Richmond!
LikeLike
ooh another masterpiece that needs posting, thanks RR
LikeLike
Wise words. I quite agree- letting each carry his cross- until they ask for help.
LikeLiked by 1 person
healthier all round, people need to be ready 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
“healthier done side by side”…….bravo and AMEN!
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks sweetness!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 I always love visiting. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is deeply poignant! ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks so much!
LikeLike
It takes wisdom to know when to offer help and when to stand quietly beside. Good wirte!
LikeLiked by 1 person
standing/walking beside is often the most powerful healer … Beverly your link on this one keep going back to dVerse?
LikeLike
Great deal of caring and wisdom here Kate — fine write.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good one. I like helping when asked too and never assume that they will like being helped.
LikeLiked by 1 person
you get me Grace!
LikeLike
What a good word of wisdom! In our arrogance we tend to think we have all the answers, when in reality it may not be the answer that is needed.
A great line:
best done at their pace
help not mixed with pride
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed true healing can transpire if one is ready.
LikeLiked by 1 person
it can’t be pushed …
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent! Your wisdom and your compassion shine in this poem!
We must be willing to come-along-side others and when needed we must let them come-along-side-us. 🙂
HUGS!!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
well said Carolyn, have a good week 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Deep and poignant words so well composed, Kate and the picture of Jesus was awesome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes to this, especially side by side, for me a motto.
LikeLiked by 1 person
wish more do-gooders could understand that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very wise post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks heaps Marie 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good advice on how to help: “help not mixed with pride”
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks Frank!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Help is something can be hard to give, but actually harder to accept… so many emotions tied to it…
LikeLiked by 1 person
well said Bjorn, I’ve volunteered in one capacity or another most of my life and more are willing to help than accept help … wonder why we are so proud 😦
LikeLike
Of course, one must help when needed but never for a want in return.
Helping is not business.
A ggodone Kate.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it’s best to help someone only as they ask us to, because we often don’t know what kind of help is needed, or even IF it’s needed. Just being willing to do for others is what matters, I think, because then others know they can ask.
LikeLiked by 1 person
well said Ann, thanks for adding your wisdom 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person