Written by Grace Atherton on June 24, 2023

Dedicated to those who have been amazing neighbors to me throughout the years! Thank you all! Also written in honor of my Native American heritage.

Who Is My Neighbor?

This question seems to reoccur,

Throughout time and ages, 

Throughout nations and places,

Even if it is only in the mind’s pages.

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It’s anyone who is hurting,

That we pass along our way,

Whether that’s mentally, emotionally or physically,

My neighbors they are the same.

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Irregardless of their background,

Nationality, religion, or fame,

Sexual orientation or status,

Political tie or preferred sports game.

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One day my neighbors were the Cherokees 

Walking down the Trail of Tears,

Another day it was George Floyd whose life –

was stolen because no one would hear.

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One day my neighbor were (are) first responders

Unnecessarily shot,

Another day it’s those trafficked,

Military overseas or those in (un)/natural disaster spots.

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Some examples of those touching neighbors,

Are Martin Luther King Jr. through his “Dream”,

Gandhi bringing freedom to a nation,

Wilberforce in the courts of England’s supreme.

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Other examples are Mother Teresa,

whose hand reached countless suffering in need,

Or the people recently in the stadium

Who all together took a knee.

(see Damar Hamlin’s near death experience)

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Some scars are blatant,

and clearly seen on this side of the road,

Some are not easily detected because –

they are deep down in the soul.

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Although each person alone might not be able to reach,

The entire world.

Together we can help bring change,

Even if it’s just in our own “neighborhood.”

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

I also hope that going toward your dream, you remember your neighbors if they’re ever hurting, regardless of what side of the road you find them on. I also hope we stop to ask and truly seek to understand other’s whole story and unique perspective/point of view!

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If part of your dream includes a project that I can help with such as writing, speaking or working/collaborating on a creative project together, please reach out on the “contact me” page.