Photo: pixabay.com
“We only have what we give.” Isabel Allende
How Much?
Am I really my brother-sister’s keeper
that I must set aside something of
myself to lift their burden,
to alter the fortunes of every hovel?
Isn’t this the origin of the retort of anger,
that I must somehow be responsible ,
that I know I dress their plight
in a shame all my own,
sermonising, offering beads for gold,
paralysed by guilt,
always asking, “what can I do?”
but never asking of myself,
“How much is enough?”
©Paul Vincent Cannon
Paul, pvcann.com
parallax 
❣
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Thank you Luisa
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Thought provoking, Paul. How much is enough?
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It seems we are caught in never enough until ego lets go and finds others.
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So true, Paul! Thank you for bringing other aka great thoughts into my mind. Michael
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Thank you so much for reading and responding Michael.
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An honest and well-written assessment. Your poetic description brings out the subconscious hibernation of truth. Cheers👍💕
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Many thanks, I do appreciate your encouraging words.
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Very deep and thought provoking – great poem
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The great dilemma, thank you Lyn
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This is strong and disturbing.
You talk about so many lives and the photo is so apt.
How come a child is responsible for another child?
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Yes indeed, how come? It should be as you suggest, the tragedy of selfish living.
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Excellent poem, Paul.
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Thank you so much.
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This poem is the expression of my dad’s life. He lived it every day.
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By no means an easy way of being. Taxing yet sometimes rewarding (without ever seeking it), even lonely, and far from perfect. I tilt my hat.
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Thank you. You’re right that it was not an easy way of being for him.
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And it can therefore be hard on the family as a result.
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You’re right. It was hardest on my mother.
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Ah, yes, that I understand.
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Important questions…
Difficult indeed….
Reuse
Recycle
Upcycle
Regift
Buy responsibly…
we can each do our part.
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We can and must, and also share the load a bit too.
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Yes!
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A wonderful and powerful poem to provoke an inner inspection of ourselves!!
Hasn’t this been settled? Am I my brother’s keeper? Yes!!!! Isn’t this also the basis of the parable of the Good Samaritan? Awesome, Paul!!
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High praise indeed, thank you so much Charles, yes, the principle has been settled, but modern politicians are the new scribes and Pharisees.
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Hopefully, we can change it sooner than later!!
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Yes, every day I wake and hope to see change.
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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Much appreciated Charles.
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Always happy sharing your work, Paul!!
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You are indefatigable my friend
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“indefatigable”? That’s a good thing right? LOL! Wishing you the best Holiday Season, My Friend!!!
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A very good thing, tirelessly helping, and blessings for you too.
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