Everyday Heros

Everyday Heros

We celebrate the indomitable spirit of our heroes.
We honor them with gilded statues in the park.
We fail to recognize the heroes that surround us
and by our ignorance, condemn them to the dark.

There's a statue of a dog that sits in Central Park
that honors his fidelity, intelligence, endurance.
Where does the statue sit that honors those we see
that give daily of themselves and offer reassurance?

We see it in the soldiers who serve far from their home
and watch their growing children's faces on the net.
We see it in their sacrifice of life and liberty.
We accept it without thought or acknowledging our debt.

We see it in the teachers who each day reach out
and touch a child with wisdom as they mould a life.
We see it in the care given to a soldier who's
broken and in pain but not deserted by his wife.

We see it in a visit to comfort the infirm
or share a moments pleasure with the old and weak.
We see it in the mother, who encourages her child
not to resort to violence but to learn to speak.

All around the world, you can find these heroes.
They're strangers on the street, neighbors, and wives.
It's time we honored them but not with statuary.
We need to replicate their brave actions in our lives.

Notes

An entry for a wonderful group: "HONORING OUR VETERANS "  [ASR]

This was inspired by the seeing the statue of "Balto" - a Siberian Husky sled dog who led his team on the final leg of the 1925 serum run to Nome which sits in Central Park, New York. I have no doubt he was a great dog - but where's the statues for our "everyday heros?"

Thank you for taking the time to read my poem. Please, if you're going to rate this, leave a comment. Come to think of it - as long as you're here, leave a comment . Criticisms, thoughts, reactions, yes – even a kind word of encouragement – are all equally welcome

Ken