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| The Tithe Barn by Walter Tyndale (watercolor, 1906) |
As long as you can give a smile to us,
you are not tithe less; and if you can lend
a hand as well, you can reach ten percent
without a dime in your open pockets.
Prophets of every faith have modeled this
into a universal truth we for-
get when our job is collecting taxes
and accounting for funds in the big pot.
I have one antique rose that perfumes all
the garden while many plants benefit,
yet they balance the scene that sets the rose
so high, protect us from its thorns and thrive.
We weed a bit while gazing from above
and note weeds bring us to our knees to praise
the ground, and challenge us to learn to love
what is not easy nor is often kind.
Together we comprise our neighborhood—
the showy, quiet and overlooked—and all
have roles in helping each other grow from
the glow generated by one small smile.
Copyright © 2015 S.L.Chast
WOW! THIS is a SPECTACULAR poem. How very beautiful a look at humanity. You give me hope!
ReplyDeleteI thought that was lovely, well done!
ReplyDeleteProphets of every faith have modeled this
ReplyDeleteinto a universal truth we for-
get when our job is collecting taxes
and accounting for funds in the big pot.
Strongly resonate with these lines.. over the decades.. perhaps centuries.. prophets have come down to teach all of mankind.. the importance of a smile... the effect it has on others.. to truly help others expecting nothing in return :D
A beautiful poem Susan. It brought a huge smile on my face :D
Lots of love,
Sanaa
It is very easy to make, anyone sad or cry but very difficult to put a smile on anyone's face.
ReplyDelete"and note weeds bring us to our knees to praise / the ground, and challenge us to learn to love / what is not easy nor is often kind."...my favorite lines here...
ReplyDeleteA smile is worth so much....like the butterfly effect...I would choose it over any coin or tithe
ReplyDeleteI love that first stanza....so insightful and poignant.....what a unique and smart way to look at things. Wish more people had that viewpoint. I will take it to heart.
ReplyDeleteI think if we could be more like flowers in the garden it would come more natural to share the light and soil... a lovely way of expressing it all
ReplyDelete'and all
ReplyDeletehave roles in helping each other grow from
the glow generated by one small smile.'
How powerful a smile....I can go down the road and smile at everyone I meet and 99% will smile back glowing as will I from each of their smiles that sustain me! Loved this poem Susan.
A tithe of giving to others, that is the simple element to community,
ReplyDeletethough often the hardest for humans to accomplish, being more concerned
with self than with others. And our efforts ripple out touching lives
when we are genuine.
I do like the idea that a smile or lending a hand can be considered part of a tithe. I think oftentimes it means more than giving money. Anyone can drop bills into a collection plate; but working at a soup kitchen or a food pantry or helping someone rebuild their house puts a face on help! Neighborhood help is important. Our church has a motto: God's work, our hands!
ReplyDeleteLovely sentiments.
ReplyDeleteGreat!
ReplyDeleteZQ
"Weeds bring us to our knees..." how beautifully you paint the picture of the joy our gardens bring us. I even thought I could hear the bees say as I worked in the garden "Pay him no mind, he's doing no harm".
ReplyDeleteTo give 10% we learn humility...whether it be in coin or deed. You have a gift for being insightful..always enjoy stopping here to read your words of wisdom. Peace to you!
ReplyDeleteSuch a powerful image, that rose - in a poem full of powerful images and deep thoughts.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was growing up, we were often asked "What is our motto in life?" I often replied - "to put a smile on eveyone's face"
ReplyDeleteI realize it is not actually difficult as long as your intentions are clear.
I like that the poem stresses and values the community life coming from a single smile or a helping hand. i enjoyed the read, Susan
Great poem. I agree we often forget that time given is also a tithe.
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely Susan. I've always thought a genuine smile is packed with pure, loving, giving medicine. May we all tythe abundantly from that infinite reservoir.
ReplyDeleteI love the visual you draw with rose and surroundings in your poem; we indeed benefit from helping each other grow!
ReplyDelete