Looking for the Helpers

Poetry for Hard Times plus our End of Year Survey

Yesterday, I wrote a poem about looking for the helpers when tragedy strikes. Before I share it with you, I would deeply appreciate your feedback on this little love letter!

Another year is coming to a close, and we’ve got biiiig plans for 2026! Want to be a part of them? Take this survey! You might win a fantastic prize 🤗

If you don’t have time or spoons, you can just take this poll :)

A Natural Response

The following poem was inspired by a conversation with my mother about recent atrocities. Don’t be fooled by the first stanza, this poem is a call to arms for optimists! Like Mr Rogers’ own mother said ‘When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”

Depression, anxiety, call it what you will
It’s a natural response, not overkill.
Today there was a murder
Yesterday there was a shooting
Tomorrow, genocide continues
Bombs, and rape, and looting


And


A baby takes their first steps
Someone is cancer-free
A hospital has been built this week
We can plant a tree!

In crowded streets or quiet fields
Countless lovers have just met
To change each other and the world
Though they do not know it yet

She is painting a sunset
He’s discovering bubble bath
There are helpers and heroes, always
Blooming in a tragedy’s aftermath

You take a breath, put down the news
Let it sink into your chest
You find your mum, or phone a friend
All we can do is our best

You order in your favourite food
A local business, supported
You’re doing everything you can
When evil seems unthwarted

I can see how hard you try
I know it seems unbearable
But this weight is ours, hope will not die
And your spirit is repairable

So raise your voice, your glass, your children
Don’t give into despair
This world is ours to preserve and cherish
To savour; and to share

If Tea with HB has helped you this year, or you want to support my mission to create a kinder world, please donate here or become a patron to access bonus content!

Love,

HB x

Autumn Favourites

☀️ Good News: I was able to get a new electric car, Ariel, via the Motability Scheme so I can actually get out of the house and use my lovely power chair, Hugo! These are two of the things I am most grateful for this year. If anybody is struggling with Motability or Access to Work, please reply to this email and I will do what I can to help.

📚 Book: His Dark Materials & Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey

📺 TV: Percy Jackson, Nobody Wants This, Anne with an E, Avatar the Last Airbender, FRIENDS

🍿 Movie: E.T, Elio, Sleepless in Seattle