avatarBob Jasper

Summary

The web content presents a reflective poem titled "Help Me (Help Us)!" by Bob Jasper, which explores the diversity of human perspectives and the possibility of personal transformation in understanding the world.

Abstract

The poem "Help Me (Help Us)!" delves into the complexities of human perception, questioning why individuals have differing worldviews and behaviors. It ponders on the contrast between optimism and pessimism, the potential for personal growth, and whether people can change their inherent nature. The author, Bob Jasper, acknowledges the challenge of understanding these disparities and expresses a desire for unity and comprehension. The poem was inspired by a writing prompt from the 2021 April PAD Challenge, which encourages poets to write a "(blank) Me" poem, with Jasper adding a parenthetical "(Help Us)" to the title. The content concludes with an invitation for readers to engage in reading, writing, and connecting with others.

Opinions

  • The author seeks understanding of the world's diversity in thought and action, emphasizing the need for empathy rather than criticism.
  • There is a recognition of the stark contrast in people's outlooks, with some focusing on the positive (stars) and others on the negative (scars).
  • The poem questions whether individuals can truly change their ways or if they are destined to maintain their established patterns of thinking and acting.
  • Despite the contemplation of hopelessness, there is an underlying optimism suggested by the poem's existence and its call for collective help, implying a belief in the potential for change and improvement.
  • The inclusion of a photograph by Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka visually complements the poem's theme of diverse perspectives, showing a scene that could be interpreted in various ways depending on the viewer's mindset.

Poetry

Help Me (Help Us)!

A “blank” me poem

Photo by Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka on Unsplash

Help me to understand this world: How some think one way; others another. I would like to know why some don’t fold As they grow old, I could be told. Please don’t scold!

Why is it one person looks up And sees stars While another looks down And sees only scars? Is that just the way it is?

Can we change our stripes? Become something totally new? Or are we doomed to go on Thinking and acting as we do? Is there no hope?

© 2021 Bob Jasper. All rights reserved.

This poem was written in response to the prompt to write a “(blank) Me” poem where “(blank)” is replaced with a word or phrase and becomes the title of the poem. I cheated a little by adding the parenthetical “(Help Us).” You can read more about the challenge and see how others met it here:

Happy Reading, Writing, and Connecting!

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