all heroism
is a matter of sharing
what we’ve been given

Last week, I posted the first haiku in a series about something I refer to as “elemental heroism.” Here’s the second one. (I’m linking to all the haiku on this subject with the tag elemental heroism.)

we can be heroes –
no need for super powers
or alter egoes

A recurring theme in many of the more inspirational ideas I’ve been reading, hearing and thinking is heroism. I don’t mean secret-identity or faster-than-a-speeding-bullet heroism, but something closer to ground level. This is the first of a few haiku on that topic.

Maybe I should call it elemental heroism. It’s the sort of thing that happens all the time, on all different scales. It comes from the helping hands, kind gestures and shows of support that make all the difference in someone’s life, or maybe just their day. I hope it’s been obvious that  some of my recent posts are in recognition of these things. I’ve been blessed to find myself on the receiving end of many acts of elemental heroism. And I’ve been fortunate enough to occasionally provide a little to others.

Maybe this can inspire you to think of things that move that way in your life too. Share in the comments if you want, or post on your facebook, twitter or blog. And, as Frank reminded me with his post at KnowHR today, never underestimate the power of thank you.

To see the newest haiku on “elemental heroism,” click here.

honor the fallen
from battles long forgotten
whose lessons remain

Comments

• May 31, 2010, Frank writes: Beautiful one, H.
• May 31, 2010, A Memorial Day Haiku | KnowHR Blog writes: [...] I couldn’t write a Memorial Day sentiment better than Howard did at NonBreakingSpace. Read his Memorial Day haiku here. [...]
• May 31, 2010, howard writes: thanks, Frank. it popped into my head over the weekend -- it just took me a while to get comfortable with the last line.

*
When I first wrote the above haiku, it was called “advocate” and it was more or less a statement of aspiration. But before aspiration came inspiration. That inspiration arrived in the form of various people, some of whom I’ve met, others I’ve only heard or seen from afar.

Louis “Studs” Terkel was one of the latter. He was a gifted man who spent much of his life telling stories of the working class and other folks sometimes referred to as the “uncelebrated.” He celebrated those people, quite practically giving voice to the voiceless.

Studs Terkel passed on yesterday, and rather than try to write something new, I thought it best to re-use an old haiku written with him in mind.

image: valkyrieh116

Comments

• November 1, 2008, Anthony writes: That's my version of the squeaky wheel saying. The squeaky wheel gets the grease because it needs the grease. People with fame and power automatically have a voice, as though we need to hear from them. They represent less than 5% of the population, so it has always struck me as odd that their ideals are so duly noted.
• November 1, 2008, howard writes: And yet there are those (like Terkel) who use their voice and position to let ordinary people tell their stories. I think there's something inherently noble about giving your voice to those without one.