When we think about helping someone, we often focus on the actions we take, the words we say, and the impact we can make on their lives. But beyond these tangible forms of assistance, there is another aspect of helping that is equally important: the emotional connection we create with the people we assist.

In the world of poetry, writers have long explored the many ways that helping others can be seen as an expression of love, compassion, and empathy. Whether it's through offering a small act of kindness, lending a listening ear, or simply being present in someone's life, the act of helping can bring deep meaning to our existence and create a powerful bond between us and those we assist.

One such poet who fully understood the transformative power of helping others was Mary Oliver. In her poem "The Journey," she writes:

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice--
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"Mend my life!"
each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do--
determined to save
the only life you could save.

This poem beautifully captures the idea that helping others can be a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. As we reach out to those in need, we often find that we are discovering our own strengths and abilities, and that we are growing in our ability to understand and support others.

Another poet who wrote about the profound emotional connection that comes from helping others was Maya Angelou. In her poem "Alone," she writes:

Lying, thinking
Last night
How to find my soul a home
Where water is not thirsty
And bread loaf is not stone
I came up with one thing
And I don't believe I'm wrong
That nobody,
But nobody
Can make it out here alone.

In these lines, Angelou reminds us that we all need help from time to time, and that it is through the connections we make with others that we find a sense of belonging and purpose in the world. Whether through offering a kind word, a helping hand, or simply a listening ear, we can all play a role in creating these connections and building a more compassionate and caring society.

Ultimately, the act of helping others is a powerful expression of the love and compassion that lies at the heart of the human experience. It is a way to show others that they are not alone, that they are valued and important, and that they are capable of facing even the most difficult challenges with courage and resilience. And in doing so, we create a more meaningful and rewarding existence for ourselves as well, one that is filled with purpose, connection, and a deep sense of fulfillment.