DON'T YOU KNOW YOU'RE NEEDED

Someone is in trouble their world's in despair.
It isn't my burden, should I really care?

I hear someone crying, I know they are grieved.
It isn't my sorrow, I pass on relieved.

I see one so burdened with life's heavy cases.
Mine also is heavy, too leaded to share.

I don't know their sorry.
I'd be in the way.
They'd think I was prying, let someone else stay.

I'm no good at comfort, my tongue is so tied.
And wouldn't I look foolish if I also cried?

There's no need to help in today's prosperous age.
They long planned for trouble, on policy's page.

And I am so busy, I hardly get through,
With my own life's burden, and add yours on too?

I'll help them tomorrow, when I'm at my best.
Today I am weary and in need of rest.

Somewhere in my world of selfish excuses, A question
gets through to my heart of abuses.

DO YOU KNOW YOU'RE NEEDED, SOMEONE WANTS TO KNOW
They're not all alone in their struggles of woe.

By Juanita Waters Shippey