I wrote Altruism as a tribute to a close friend of ours, Margaret Hassan, who was head of Care International in Iraq. In 2004 she was kidnapped and murdered, probably because she was obviously a Westerner.
But it seems that today it speaks of the amazing courage and skills of NHS staff, paramedics, and so many volunteers who also 'give to you'. In the quiet, a sound is heard So gentle, you have to reach to hear it. In the clamour of busy-ness Amid the explosions of fearful conflict – Scarcely able to blow out a candle Comes a voice. Listen to the sounds of now, and through them, Within them, sometimes buried beneath, it begins….. Then it resonates, louder, louder, louder through earthquakes, and war zones, through cries of barbarism and indulgence, it grows – I give to you. And when all are satiated with taking, and getting, and squabbling for more – the voice can still be heard – I give. To you. Strangers giving themselves, to bind wounds build shelters, offer embraces. Simple words made real in acts of love – We are offered the gift – given in love. There is no reason for us to have it Except that it makes us stand a little taller There is no reason for us to be given it except that each of us is unique This act of giving speaks still. It speaks as flickering of light The act of giving is at the expense Of energy, health, time and even life itself Yet it gives nothing but itself to a people who have everything. It gives nothing but love to a people who can’t even love themselves. It gives hope to people in despair. It gives with no desire to get anything back. In the understated quietness The giving brings forth new life. David Copley
3 Comments
Matthew
27/4/2020 10:46:46
A beautiful poem, very suitable for the current time.
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Andrew
27/4/2020 13:46:48
Thank you David for posting this, I remember some years ago being part of a performance of your work at St Luke's as part of a Churches Together event and this reflection remains as relevant today as ever.
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David Copley
26/5/2020 16:04:17
How nice to hear from you Andrew. Clever of you to remember it from The Inextinguishable Flame. Its funny, isn't it, how some things we write or read can have new resonances in different circumstances. Best wishes D
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ReflectionsThe reflections here are written by members of our congregation.
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