On Being Human
My poem “On Being Human” expresses and describes this path we all share, and it introduces the writings I gathered for my book entitled “The Mended Heart.” Despite the varying nationalities, cultures, and faiths we may have- and our different backgrounds and experiences as people- we have the universal feelings of love, suffering and hope in common. At this time in history when we all have felt the suffering of the COVID-19 global pandemic, we are all reminded of our collective humanity.
In “The Mended Heart” I share my experiences to remind and encourage you that you are never on the journey alone. Life is not easy, and the world can be brutal- even to the innocent- but through love, there always remains hope. This poem expresses and describes this path we all share.
On Being Human
We are all born as trusting innocents
Then the world of adults steals our resilience
We come with eyes of curiosity and wonder
Then the system breaks our will and thunder
Hearts born so gentle and so tender
Hardened by society they are rendered
But, our inner child within still lives
When nurtured and fed, he still can give
Hope, love, virtue, faith and trust
Come as little children we must
Hardened hearts can then be broken
Through the cracks God's words are spoken
Into our hearts God will live and thrive
But only we can ask Him and decide
Frail humans in elusive, desultory worlds
The enemy is us within tortured and furled
Death breathes close capturing us all
As we search for significance and meaning before we fall
Being human is connection with others using our hearts and heads
Otherwise we are sentenced to be the walking living dead
All humans need loving, supportive community
It sustains us, offering life and opportunity
It is about relationships finally in the end
Those with God, family, and our friends
Then what will last when we are gone?
It has always been love, our hearts' only song
We come then go as little children once more
As mere humans standing to face death's door
-Dr. Rhonda Milner
"Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love."
1 Corinthians 13:13
