I See You and I Care: Kindness matters even when the world says it doesn’t
Tears fell as I looked at the yellow, orange, red, and white flowers surrounded by notes on dirty snow where a woman was shot and killed by federal officers while trying to protect others. Drum beats drew my eyes from the makeshift memorial to Native American dancers honoring life and calling on the sacred to clear away a darkness that had invaded the neighborhood.
I considered the implications of what had happened and what was continuing to occur. A pregnant woman dragged on the ground, a disabled woman yanked out of her car, a family of 8 driving home from a child’s basketball game attacked, and the list goes on. People treated as if they don’t matter in a world screaming “kindness is outdated.”
Kindness does matter. Every person is worthy of care. How we respond to those opposing care affects our lives now, and shapes the world for future generations. We need to shout “I care” even louder. No excuses. We cannot let greed, deception, fear, intolerance, oppression, discrimination, and evil get in the way. Showing care and kindness is the right way to live.
After all, what kind of world do we want our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to live in? I hope my poem “I See You and I Care” communicates care and inspires you to bring kindness into the world even when the world screams it doesn’t matter. We know better.
I See You and I Care
Child with holes in faded red shoes
Staring towards nowhere
Holding hope on a spinning thread
I see you and I care
Woman with makeup-covered bruise
Trembling hands reach backwards
Longing for a different past
I see you and I care
Man with empty bottle of booze
Sitting on a corner
Staring at a raging war within
I see you and I care
Family with one suitcase to lose
Running towards a dim wall
Fleeing a bleak but cherished home
I see you and I care
Lover with bold rainbow tattoos
Clasping hands with rebels
Facing a world of foul judgment
I see you and I care
You with closed fists set to accuse
Trying to banish pain
Finding forgiveness a battle
I see you and I care
None of you need pay approval dues
Radiating inherent beauty
Bearing immeasurable value
I see you and I care
What can my heart and words refuse
Standing firm to proffer care
Moving past blinded crowds to show
I see you and I care
“I See You and I Care” was published in 100 Poems & Possibilities for Healing, Volume 3 by Brave Healer Productions, 2026.
https://www.amazon.com/100-Poems-Possibilities-Healing-3/dp/196149390X/ref