Us

Becky Payton and I

Many men are at times misled

as most could be thought of as blind

Measuring by what they won't do

instead of to whom they were kind

Attempting to build an empire

judging themselves by what they deny

Thinking them best who resist temptation

be it a crime for a man to cry

No hungered child is a lost soul

nor a beggar be taught how to live

By preaching morals to the poor

we take from whom we should give

Goodness is not what we won't do

nor a question of who we exclude

It is an unselfish act of Humanity

to see ourselves in those we include

Author's Note

How many times do we walk by those we could so easily help?

Reviews

[Charles]

Five stanzas of near perfect poetry. Each stanza is a self-contained lesson (parable) and they are tied together by the title and pictures. The styles of individual lines are consistently interesting (stilted language in some ways, archaic in other ways, but all working together for the overall effect of the theme). And, a good theme - God's work (if you think God needs an apostrophe to help His work, check line 16. Great work on this one.

[Minnesota Fats]

More like...nevermind. Always truth in white text. Thank you.

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you fats

[KeithMansfield]

I often wonder, what is a person's line in the sand? The line that their compassion dares not cross. How far is beyond their reach? Thank you for sharing this. It speaks volumes to me.

[Tate Morgan]

You’re welcome thank you Keith. I started reading your stuff this morning I’ll look through it

[Fabian G. Franklin]

It is like the apostle James said. " Faith without works is dead. Show me your faith without works and I shall show you my faith through my works."

[Tate Morgan]

I agree if a man
Needs rewarded in the end for things he should do by conscience there is something wrong a man gets to heaven not on belief but by deeds

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Fabian such a good soul are you

[Nisreen]

A very philosophical piece
and so true

we preach more than we do

its one of humanity's biggest false logic

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Nisreen I am sorry thus took two days to answer I have been extremely caught up in other things of late Butbi thank you from the heart

[Nisreen]

No worries ..... its fine :)

[Jack]

Beautiful Tate. This touched my heart. The song choice is excellent. A favorite of mine from all those years ago. I find myself singing it often especially at night when I go out to look at the stars. Now when I sing it or hear it your poem will be a part of my consciousness.

How many times ....... ?

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you jack It is always foremost in my thoughts. That is will man be able to get past his infancy to become something better? I dont think so at present. But i see a ray of hope in Bernie Sanders that i havent felt since the days as a child .When hope was boundless as were my dreams.

[MomzillaNC]

Those last lines say it all. :D

[Tate Morgan]

thank you Momzilla I hope the world grasps this dream and makes it their own.

[MomzillaNC]

yvw :D

[Deborah Brooks-Langford]

excellent.. writing as always Tate... i hope you had a Merry Christmas and Happy New year...

[Nayan]

You speak of the divine nature of every human being, Tate!

It is so true. I am not amazed now, that you speak of such lines, as I have begun to learn about, that all good things come from within, that the man's heart is only the place to look for God!

"It is an unselfish act of Humanity
to see ourselves in those we include"

It is strange yet unfortunate if people are remembered for what they withheld to themselves, and did not give back. Because, things in this world don't behave that way. A red object looks red because it gives back the red colour, and withholds all other.

I just want to cling this poem to my heart, and live with this idea day and night! Thanks for this gift!

[Tate Morgan]

thank you The world has no idea what treasure is.Treasure is the child you gave a smile. The grandmother who used your arm to steady her gait. The neighbor who is staying with you while you help them rebuild their home.These are the things of treasure that matter in this world not metal steel gold emeralds. Those things will belong to thousands of others in years to come kindness and love given and received belongs to the giver and the one who wears them in dignity

[Tate Morgan]

A man must show that he is worthy of the gifts of strength and honor By his deeds for others

[Jack]

Tate, your true and genuine words reach deep down into my being.
I reflect upon them and find myself sorely lacking.

[TL Boehm]

oh ya got me with the song. Its one of my favorites. I wonder about the limited capacity for empathy we have as I read this. The poem is right on - but why is it that we are so callous? Perhaps we we are only able to absorb so much pain and suffering before we simply go numb. Speaking of the general populace of course. I think there are those who - as I heard spoken about Abe Lincoln - drip melancholy. Perhaps that is why some of us are so poignant - we are saturated and we must drip the contents of our heart. Like you. Peace.

[Tate Morgan]

I sure hope that is true of me thank you

[Veronica Chandler]

This piece reflects wisdom of the ages and is so softly spoken at the same time as it is firmly stated. Once again, your well crafted words, carefully selected beautiful image and music come together to make magic.