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 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.
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well said Ann, thanks for adding your wisdom 🙂
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Of course, one must help when needed but never for a want in return.
Helping is not business.
A ggodone Kate.
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Help is something can be hard to give, but actually harder to accept… so many emotions tied to it…
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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 😦
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Good advice on how to help: “help not mixed with pride”
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thanks Frank!
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Very wise post!
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thanks heaps Marie 🙂
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Yes to this, especially side by side, for me a motto.
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wish more do-gooders could understand that!
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Deep and poignant words so well composed, Kate and the picture of Jesus was awesome.
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the sun was sooo bright I couldn’t see my screen, so blessed it was well framed Kamal!
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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!!! 🙂
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well said Carolyn, have a good week 🙂
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Indeed true healing can transpire if one is ready.
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it can’t be pushed …
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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
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Good one. I like helping when asked too and never assume that they will like being helped.
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you get me Grace!
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Great deal of caring and wisdom here Kate — fine write.
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It takes wisdom to know when to offer help and when to stand quietly beside. Good wirte!
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standing/walking beside is often the most powerful healer … Beverly your link on this one keep going back to dVerse?
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This is deeply poignant! ❤️
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thanks so much!
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“healthier done side by side”…….bravo and AMEN!
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thanks sweetness!
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🙂 I always love visiting. 🙂
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Wise words. I quite agree- letting each carry his cross- until they ask for help.
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healthier all round, people need to be ready 🙂
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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!!!
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Excellent, Richmond!
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ooh another masterpiece that needs posting, thanks RR
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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.
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wisely summarised thanks Jules!
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I love this line, and thought.
“healthier done side by side”
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best way to allow real healing 🙂
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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’.
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thanks for your prompt Kim, this poem arose immediately from a headline I read recently 🙂
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