I first came across this poem by Emily Dickinson while studying literature at Brigham Young University. As with most of her poetry, I enjoy the apparent simplicity and depth of emotion that accompanies her words. The poem feels like an anthem for helping professionals, as it describes the primary desire of those who enter the field:
“If I can stop one Heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain.
If I can ease one Life the aching, or cool one Pain,
Or help one fainting Robin unto his nest again,
I shall not Live in Vain.”
–Emily Dickinson
Image attributed to poets.org