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.