Poems That Inspire Community Service

In a world that often seems divided and self-centered, community service plays a crucial role in fostering unity and compassion. It encourages individuals to rise above their own needs and extend a helping hand to those less fortunate. Poetry has long been a powerful medium for expressing emotions and inspiring action, making it a perfect platform to shed light on the importance of community service. Let's explore a collection of poems that capture the essence of selflessness and inspire us to make a positive impact.

"The Volunteer" by Robert William Service

When others are greedily seeking gold,
And by hoarding their wealth are grown hard and cold;
When the rich lack humor and the proud lack grace,
And the spirit of Mammon has taken their place;
Then I think of a man who long years ago
Went sailing away to a land of snow,
And there in the wilderness, miles from a road,
He lived like a prince in a humble abode.

Robert William Service, renowned for his narrative poems, beautifully captures the spirit of volunteering in "The Volunteer." The poem tells the tale of a man who chooses a life of simplicity and service over materialistic pursuits. Service emphasizes the stark contrast between those consumed by greed and the selfless volunteer who finds fulfillment in helping others. This poem serves as a reminder that true wealth lies not in possessions but in the impact we make on our communities.

"The Summer Day" by Mary Oliver

Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean—
the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down—
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.

Mary Oliver's "The Summer Day" might not explicitly touch on community service, but its underlying message encourages us to appreciate the beauty of life and acknowledge our place within the grand scheme of things. This poem reminds us that we are all connected, and by recognizing the intricate details of the world around us, we can develop a greater sense of responsibility towards our fellow human beings. It encourages readers to embrace curiosity and compassion, essential qualities for engaging in community service.

"I Look at the World" by Langston Hughes

I look at the world
From awakening eyes in a black face—
And this is what I see:
This fenced-off narrow space
Assigned to me.

I look then at the silly walls
Through dark eyes in a dark face—
And this is what I know:
That all these walls oppression builds
Will have to go!

Langston Hughes, a prominent figure of the Harlem Renaissance, used his poetry to shed light on the struggles faced by marginalized communities. In "I Look at the World," Hughes confronts the inherent inequality and oppression that exists within society. This poem serves as a call to action, urging readers to break down the walls that separate and divide us. It inspires individuals to engage in community service, working towards dismantling the barriers that prevent us from living in a more inclusive and harmonious world.

Poetry has an incredible ability to inspire and empower individuals to take action. The poems mentioned above beautifully capture the essence of community service, highlighting the importance of selflessness, empathy, and unity. Through their words, Robert William Service, Mary Oliver, and Langston Hughes encourage us to look beyond ourselves and recognize the power we possess to make a positive impact on our communities. Let these poems serve as a reminder that by engaging in community service, we can bridge the gaps that divide us and create a more compassionate and inclusive society.