by Felicia Arnold

Created on: March 19, 2009

I am my brother's keeper

This phrase we've heard before

It means to me that I'm connected

To everyone who does or does not pass through my door

Yes, it is very clear to me

And totally understood

That to my friends and family

Our sense of responsibility is good

But what about the others

Who live and work around me

Do I ignore their pain and sorrow

Because they are not in my "family"?

I'm reminded of another phrase

Popular in my teenage years

We are all a "Family of Man"

All connected by blood and tears

Fighting hunger and poverty

Struggling for clean air and good health

These are woven common threads

In our varied tapestry of wealth

We need to work together

As a nation of people who believe

That responsibility for a better life

Is a goal we can all achieve

For when we help our brothers

Here at home and across the sea

Ultimately what we create

Is a better world for you and me

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