Samaritans- recognition of selfless service encapsulated in my poem written this week.

[Nevin]

Samaritans always there to listen
Don't ever judge, sensitive to one's plight
Nor counselling, their insights do glisten
Comfort and support on dark lonely nights


Emotional crutch in times of dire need
Exploring life's challenges sensitively
Expert training teaches slowly not speed
Such selfless service, worthy empathy


Dawn beckons a new shift of volunteers
The lifelines stay open they shoulder bravely
learning of problems, perhaps lasting years
With sudden anguish, grief - they cope wisely


Supervisors staying the hand of some
suicide bent and in desperation
Personal toll when connection done
Was life saved through conversation?


"Society indebted" I say
for selfless sacrifice with praise not sought
Please give generously the bills to pay
Service volunteered with grace, never bought

ENDS


I've sent this to their social media press officer for them to use freely and as they so wish.

 

[Nevin]

Whereas the "high heid yins" of the Samaritans Charity here in the British Isles have yet to "wake up" to the "powerful" nature and possible utility of these 5 short verses in, for example, much needed fund raising activity, many, many of their volunteers recognised the potential import immediately.

Having now spoken to about 40 volunteers at all times of the night and day their reactions have been very moving. To date 4 female volunteers have declned my request to read out the verses down the line. However, all of the rest have given me benefit of the doubt. Reactions have been supportive and thankful. In 5 cases, 1 male and 4 female, the reaction has been tearful.

Comments have included:


"Beautiful!"

"Can I read it out at the forthcoming Branch AGM?"

"Captures what it is to be a Samaritan volunteer", "Encapsulates...", "Sums uo ...", "Summarises..."

"Excellent!"

"How do you know so much about being a Samaritan volunteer? "

"I'll ask permission of the Branch Director to post your poem on the noticeboard."

"I'm moved."

"I'm touched."

"Inspiring."

"I was expecting doggerel but that is very good."

"Lovely."

"Read me one verse' pause "Carry on reading."

"Very moving."

"What is the online link and I will share with the Shift supervisor and fellow volunteers at the Branch."

"Wonderful!"


Whilst all very gratifying I've perhaps only accessed at most 20% of the 201 branches in the British Isles. My goal is to reach ALL Samaritan volunteers.

In nearly all of the positive contacts the volunteer has taken note of the recommended Google search words that permit online viewing for anyone:

"Samaritans poem Christian Chat Forum Nevin"

I have tried to reach volunteer Samaritans in Australia and New Zealand with, as yet, no response.

Notably, I will reach my three score and ten years in December and this is my very first full length poem. I know that I am being guided and inspired in this mission by the Lord Almighty. Please pray that I can continue to be a chosen servant, and that his will be done to his greater glory and praise.

 

[Nevin]

Yesterday delivered an answer to prayer. The "high heid yins" are onboard AND fully "awake"! The poem is now with the fund raising team to do with as they so wish. A further suggested initiative based on a unique artwork has been proposed. If intrigued, please click the link and pray for God’s blessings and favour. Clues to the artwork's possible applications are "S Am Ar I Ta N S" and "P Ra I Se Be J Es U S Li V Es". See:

http://www.chem.ed.ac.uk/news-events/news/macramé-periodic-table

For the purists, "J" was used in old German to denote the element Iodine (jud) - please nobody tell IUPAC!