Why?

Thomas Hemminger

January 5, 2025

Why do we struggle 

To say a kind word?

To offer a hand up?

To carry someone’s burden? 

Why do we wrestle with 

feeding our neighbor?

Or saying “Yes, I can help.” 

Why do we argue

when it’s time to agree,

confusing debate with accomplishment, 

and winning with progress?

Why are we working hard, 

but not working it out?  

Why? 

Thomas Hemminger is an elementary music teacher living in Dallas, Texas. His work has been published locally in Dallas and in The Wilda Morris Poetry Challenge, The Texas Poetry Assignment, and The Poetry Catalog. His hero is Mr. Fred Rogers, the creator of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. Through America’s favorite “neighbor,” Thomas learned the importance of loving others and giving them their own space and grace to grow.