Humanity
A poem by Heidi Kunze about hope, humanity and ‘looking for the helpers’
We wanted to share this remarkable piece by Heidi, accompanied by her own artwork.
Heidi’s poem Humanity is a reflection on hope, compassion and the importance of looking for the helpers during difficult times.
What inspired Heidi to write this
Heidi writes:
As we all know, our everyday lives can sometimes feel like an eternal struggle. We often look to the wider world for inspiration and encouragement. Unfortunately, right now it can sometimes feel as though the world has lost its humanity. It can seem like a reality that is unfathomable, hopeless and empty.
I was watching the news showing the aftermath of a missile strike, with mounds of rubble trapping people below. What struck me was that it wasn’t just the military or firefighters carefully pulling away each piece of debris. It was men and women – shopkeepers, business owners, teachers, mothers, fathers… ordinary people.
I saw their humanity.
I thought of the “helpers” I was always told to look for when bad things happen. As the children’s television icon Mr Rogers once said: “Look for the helpers.”
In times of despair, what is the most important thing to hold on to?
Hope and faith.
It’s what will always carry us through.
Even in difficult times, humanity continues to show itself through the actions of ordinary people.
Sometimes we simply need to pause and remember to look for the helpers.
Accessible version of the poem (for immersive readers)
The poem is provided below in plain text for use with screen readers and immersive reading tools.
Humanity is a poem by Heidi Kunze, inspired by the kindness of ordinary people helping others in difficult times — a reflection on hope, faith and compassion.
Oh milk of human kindness
Where have you gone?
Where are you hiding?
Taking shelter from this storm?
Vanished into the darkness
With peace, joy and humanity?
You’ve all been beaten, been bruised
Forsaken with abject battery
We’re living in the Upsidedown
Beyond the brothers Grimm
Unrecognisable nightmares
Too vacuous to comprehend
Don’t loose faith little ones
We will carry you through
Hope and faith will bear the weight
This I know to be true
You see, I have a little secret
A story to share
Your allies are rising
They’ve always been there
Look for the helpers
Selfless extensions of love
Like wings of an angel
Like faith from above
So hold this course true
And light will show the way
Shut out the darkness
Dawn a new day
More powerful than hate
Infinitely brighter than the sun
Faith, love and virtue
These three will be won.
Here is Heidi’s painting in full:
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