Poems that Celebrate the Beauty of Serving Others

Serving others is a noble act that not only benefits those in need but also enriches our own lives. It is an expression of selflessness, compassion, and empathy that has the power to bring people together and create a positive impact in the world. In the realm of poetry, many poets have beautifully captured the essence of serving others through their heartfelt verses. In this article, we will explore a selection of poems that celebrate the beauty of serving others and remind us of the importance of reaching out a helping hand.

1. "If You Have Only One Smile" by Mother Teresa:

Mother Teresa, renowned for her selfless service, wrote a beautiful poem titled "If You Have Only One Smile." In this short but impactful verse, she emphasizes the significance of a simple act of kindness. Mother Teresa's words remind us that even the smallest gesture can have a profound effect on someone's life:

"If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love.
Don't be surly at home, then go out in the street and start grinning 'Good morning' at total strangers.
You'd better give your smile to the poor, old blind woman sitting on a cold pavement outside that store.
You see her? She's lonely, and it's cold out, so why not warm her up a little?"

2. "I slept and dreamt that life was joy" by Rabindranath Tagore:

Rabindranath Tagore, a Nobel laureate poet, philosopher, and polymath from India, penned a profound poem titled "I slept and dreamt that life was joy." In this poem, Tagore beautifully illustrates the interconnectedness of serving others and finding fulfillment in life. He highlights that true happiness is not attained through personal achievements but through acts of service and compassion:

"I slept and dreamt that life was joy.
I awoke and saw that life was service.
I acted and behold, service was joy."

3. "The Bridge Builder" by Will Allen Dromgoole:

"The Bridge Builder" by Will Allen Dromgoole is a timeless poem that speaks to the value of serving others. It tells the story of an old man who encounters a bridge over a dangerous chasm. Despite his own safety, he chooses to build the bridge to help others cross safely. This poem serves as a reminder that our actions today can positively impact future generations:

"An old man, going a lone highway,
Came, at the evening, cold and gray,
To a chasm, vast, and deep, and wide,
Through which was flowing a sullen tide.
The old man crossed in the twilight dim;
The sullen stream had no fears for him;
But he turned, when safe on the other side,
And built a bridge to span the tide.
‘Old man,’ said a fellow pilgrim, near,
‘You are wasting strength with building here;
Your journey will end with the ending day;
You never again will pass this way;
You’ve crossed the chasm, deep and wide,
Why build you the bridge at the eventide?’
The builder lifted his old gray head:
‘Good friend, in the path I have come,’ he said,
‘There followeth after me today,
A youth, whose feet must pass this way.
This chasm, that has been naught to me,
To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be.
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;
Good friend, I am building the bridge for him.’"

Poetry has the incredible ability to touch our hearts and inspire us towards acts of kindness and selflessness. The poems mentioned above beautifully capture the essence of serving others and remind us of the joy and fulfillment that can be found in helping those in need. Whether it is a simple smile, an act of service, or building bridges for future generations, let us be inspired by these verses to make a positive impact in the lives of others. As Mother Teresa once said, "“It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.”