Philanthropy

By Lily K. Lewis

Photo by Hannah Gore

Featured in Vol 8, Issue 2: Philanthropy

A son buys his father coffee after an argument,

A woman gives a dollar she did not have to give,

A parent shows mercy when punishment is expected,

Teaching a lesson of forgiveness.

These are actions of compassion.

A rich couple donates a hefty sum to an orphanage,

A homeless man gives his jacket to a starving child,

A pair of friends take the time to listen

Though the time they have is limited.

These are actions of generosity.

These are actions of charity. 

These are actions of philanthropy because 

Philanthropy is the desire to provide for others;

It is a way of living to show the people you love

How much you love them.

Craving what is best for others and assisting them

In whatever way you can. That is philanthropy.

Philanthropy is starting a non-profit for 

Those who are victims of their circumstances, yes,

But most of all, at the heart of it, philanthropy 

Is freely using the gifts you’ve been given 

To uplift those who cannot empower themselves

In a way unique to you

And special to every relationship you create,

Every life you have the opportunity to impact.


Lily K. Lewis is a senior at Madison Academic, and she recently published her first book, “Everlasting Light.” When Lily isn’t at theater rehearsal, you’ll find her drinking coffee, writing, or baking something with chocolate. Lily believes that writing is a form of connection
and always tries to embody that in her work. 


Hannah Gore  is a photographer from Jackson,Tennessee, who currently lives in the nearby town of Medina. She is currently working to earn her associates degree in mass communication at Jackson State Community College. Through her passion for authenticity, she seeks to capture the heart and soul of Jackson through the art of photography. When she doesn’t have a camera in her hand, you can find her in the corner of a coffee shop with a good book, learning a foreign language, or watching Korean dramas.