Notes About The Poem
Published in Out on a Limb, an Anthology for Friends, 2020
Everyday Heroes
Heroes are labeled on signs in front yards,
People on sidewalks wave hand-painted posters,
And ABC announces designated heroes,
As if I can’t spot one for myself.
Today, with the Covid-19 pandemic,
Medical personnel at all levels are labeled heroes,
But weren’t they heroes before working long shifts
Saving lives in an emergency room?
Or rushing to deliver a baby with a mother in crises?
Or their constant susceptibility to catching a
Deadly disease from those they serve?
Or our veterans, who endure months away from home
At a time, in foreign countries where they are not
Always welcome, and who may return
Without a limb—a job—a family—a home.
They’re honored and labeled heroes only when they win.
Police and firefighters are labeled heroes
As soon as they die in the line of duty.
But weren’t they heroes just yesterday, before they died,
When they rescued the bank employees
From gunmen in that hostage situation?
Or put out that fire before it
Wiped out a whole block of homes?
It may be that spouses and kids think
They’re heroes every day
When they come home at the
End of their shifts—or from foreign wars.
Some people think that Madonna, or Meg Ryan,
Or Angelina Jolie are heroes for adopting
Children from third world countries,
Or that Oprah Winfrey is a hero
For establishing a girls school in Africa.
But I think the 10-year-old boy in Florida
Who is on a mission to run one mile and one dollar
At a time to support fallen police officers is more of a hero.
Or the young single mother working full time
And getting her master’s degree.
Or the 26-year-old man who saved a 77-year-old woman
trapped in her car after plunging head first into a creek.
Or the man who risked icy waters of a canal
To save a dog stranded on a broken bridge.
I suppose there is no one definition of a hero,
But I don’t think it’s the sports star who simply makes big bucks,
Or the reality show star who has given
Birth to multiple children,
Or the movie star who tells people how to live
Their lives while living in a glass house.
No, I think heroes are everyday people,
Living out their lives as best they can
While respecting and not hurting others—
And while loving as best they can.
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