Sonnet: God, How Can I Be Inert? Poem by Dr John Celes

Need I be silent spectator on Earth,
Watching helplessly sufferings around?
Was I not meant for a purpose at birth,
To help unfortunate, heavenward bound?

Need I be selfish ignoring others,
Bothered of only my material wealth;
Should I not help my downtrodden brothers?
Thus, improve my mind’s clime and my soul’s health!

Need I be helpless, deaf and dumb and blind,
To all unfair happenings that surround me?
Should I not put my might and try to find,
Solutions to problems of society?

Oh, make me useful God, to my brethren.
And let me help them find on earth, Heaven!

7 -17-2002