*The Heart of Humanity #2149

The Heart of Humanity Poverty’s not just food stamps, nor mere shelter’s need, It’s a social evil's shadow, where many sorrows breed. A catalyst, a darkened ground, where woes and troubles twine, Breaking families, causing stress, relationships decline. Unemployment’s heavy hand, despair it firmly sows, Drug and alcohol’s grim grip, in poverty’s cold throes. Three out of four, one paycheck missed, find homes slipping away, Into homelessness’s cruel arms, where broken spirits stay. Street outreach is essential, to learn and deeply see, The faces and the stories, of those in misery. The righteous care, as Proverbs say, for the poor’s given rights, While wicked hearts, devoid of love, ignore these painful plights. In poverty’s reflection, our humanity is found, A mirror of compassion’s depth, or indifference profound. It’s more than just an economic state, a moral test we face, Measuring our society’s heart, its empathy and grace. “The righteous are concerned,” it’s written, wisdom’s ancient plea, “For the rights of those in poverty,” with hearts that truly see. But wicked ones, they turn away, their hearts devoid of light, Unable to perceive the pain, in poverty’s long night. So let us stand with open hearts, and hands outstretched with care, To fight against this evil force, with love and justice fair. For in the struggle to lift the poor, our true humanity, Is found within the righteous act, of boundless charity. Rise to this moral challenge, with hearts and hands aligned, Fight poverty with love and grace, let justice be our sign. Affirm our shared humanity, our bonds of community, In the fight for the poor, we find the heart of true charity. -Steven G. Lee (July 3, 2024)