The Nicest People

Life was not at all “nice” to them
it did not treat them fairly
and if you asked how they survived
they'd answer you with “barely”

And though it seems against the odds
and quite a contradiction
they broke away from abuse and pain
and tragedy's predictions

The nicest people I ever met
were ones who had to learn it-
for they were never given love
but told they had to “earn it”

'Though cruelly shamed, scorned and spurned
and beaten into the ground
they rose and bloomed, and grew into
the loveliest things around

Perhaps those terrible feelings they felt
gave them special empathy
for now they comfort others in pain
a beautiful sight to see

The ones who once were “helpless”
afflicted and oppressed
are now the counselors, healers, friends
who help the very best!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Krutsinger Avatar
September 25, 2018 at 11:36 AM
What a wonderful tribute! All of the helpers out there, and there are many, are probably FAVing this one. Anyway, I am. Wow! This is so perfect!
Mcferran Avatar
September 25, 2018 at 1:57 PM
Thank you, I'm so glad you liked it! ;)
Krampe Avatar
September 22, 2018 at 10:58 AM
So true, Rhona. Enjoyed your poem.
Mcferran Avatar
September 22, 2018 at 7:21 PM
Thank you so much!
Faulkner Avatar
September 21, 2018 at 1:31 PM
This is so insightful, I think going through your own pain and struggles gives you more compassion and empathy for others-
Mcferran Avatar
September 21, 2018 at 6:24 PM
Thank you! I wrote this on a prompt called 'You Didn't Have To Be So Nice' (like the song)... and when I thought about it, I've known social workers, teachers, counselors, nurses, art therapists, etc... all "helping" professions- and nearly all of them had some background of pain or tragedy in their own life... so this just made sense.
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