humanity

For better or for worse, relationships reveal the core of the human condition.

A lady, a train, and a ticket inspector with a heart of gold
I was cutting it short. I ran as if my life depended on it just so I could make the last train from Peterborough to Nottingham. It was cold, dark, and I desperately wanted to stop and catch my breath. Joy egged me forward as the train in the dimly lit platform came into view - I was going to make it!
By Fiona Nneka5 years ago in Humans
The Black Book Heist
It all started about three weeks ago. I was taking care of my sick father, since the covid-19 hit, I decided to take care of him. He did not have Covid. However, he was sick with cancer. It was hard seeing him like this with his face sunken in, dark circles under his eyes, his wrinkles in his weak smile, his beard that grew in because he did not have the will to shave it. He used to be a real hero; he used to have muscles that once saved my brother from being squished by a car. Anyways, we were out on one of his walks, he moved at a slow pace, and I had a hard time slowing down to his tempo; I could hear him wheezing behind me as we walked along the paved path in the park. We stopped by our usual bench, dedicated to Susan Martin, great friend, mother, sister, and humanitarian.
By Ada Zuba5 years ago in Humans
An act of kindness
To tell you about this good deed, I must tell you a little about my background. I always dreamed of America, and if ever asked a question about my future I would say “I will be a doctor living in America”. No one ever took me seriously, however, when I made that dream come true, suddenly I had so many believers. I packed two bags that July of 2017, one filled with my clothes, the other with some books and gifts for the person who would be waiting for me here. I was wearing this old flannel shirt, with black leggings and the only pair of shoes I bought, one that were a size too small. I remember the happiness of realising a dream overshadowing the fact that I was living my family, my comfort my whole world until then behind. I was not ready for the hardship that I would face.
By M. Mikealson5 years ago in Humans
Dissolution pt.1
I remember it all started with a glance in the mirror. Rather unaware of myself from a far, I had to lean in to get a closer look at myself. Normal insecurities I spout, "Ugh I am so pale! Why does my hair look so thin? I look Crazy!" In order to disregard my brains obvious attempt to dismantle the comfortability I had built for this trip, I lean in to where my reflections nose just barely brushes mine. The odd thing for me was prior to focusing directly into my soul's windows the only thing visible was the whites of my eye. Once I gave myself a closer look my pupils began to swallow my iris and soon my sclera was completely black.
By Sani Believes5 years ago in Humans
Good deeds sparks more good deeds.
I am very lucky, my neighbor is also an amazing friend of mine. We lived in low-income brick apartments. The kind people only live in when they have no other options. She was very excited that her cousin was moving across the street from us with his two children. A week passed and we were sitting outside talking when one of the children came over and asked for help. She had forgotten her key at school and needed the spare key to get into her apartment. I noticed she was in shorts and not wearing a coat. It was two weeks before Christmas and chilly outside. I asked the girl where her coat was and she looked confused. My friend explained her family only spoke spanish and they've never been anywhere cold before. I went for the walk to the girls apartment. Once I was inside, I realized they had very little even for where we lived. They had a pull out couch their father slept on, a small t.v, a rickety kitchen table with no chairs, and barely any dishes. The children slept in one room with mattresses on the floor and throw blankets. They didn't have any sheets or heavy blankets. The families story was even worse.
By M.A.D5 years ago in Humans
Humans and Consciousness
I think part of the essence of the universe is constant change, non-permanence. Everything is always in constant flux, always shifting, always ending and beginning. Humans like to believe that they'll last forever, that they'll go on in some way, and they are right in some fashion, but not exactly in the way most people believe.
By T.A. Burt5 years ago in Humans
Jump Start
IN THE NIGHT My mind awakens. I don’t know the time. My husband is sleeping next to me, I can hear his soft, rhythmic breathing. It's comforting to me. The pup is at our feet, I feel her head resting on my leg. The clock taunts me from across the room with its almost inaudible tik-toc. Not knowing the time drives me batty, but my eye mask keeps it dark, I am almost too groggy to care, I fall quickly back to sleep...
By Mindy Best5 years ago in Humans
Tent City
In most of my 35 years of living I have always been a giver. I can name plenty of times where I gave something, whether it was a gift or my advice or just a listening ear. But I always gave something. I don’t have much I’m low income and I have 5 children I’m supporting on my own but I knew in my soul that it was better to give then to receive and I try my best to give the best gifts I can. Which is probably why I have a hard time receiving gifts or even acts of service. I don’t know what that looks like for myself. Although when people have given me gifts I never rejected it. I was very grateful.
By Samantha Rodriguez5 years ago in Humans
One of the Lucky Ones
My family has always been poor. I was raised on government benefits, and during adulthood I have only succeeded in securing financial independence for short periods of time. ‘Just getting by’ works fine until something goes wrong. Until something breaks. Like your back hurts, or your vacuum cleaner dies, or a pandemic starts.
By Joanna Savage Coleman5 years ago in Humans
The Trucker in the Heartland.
When you marry young and have children young, you can expect to have some pretty awful days and some pretty nasty encounters with people from all backgrounds. My husband and I were quickly learning this, being married at nineteen and having our first son at twenty.
By Megan Janousek5 years ago in Humans
My Maria
I find that in these most trying times; where charitable acts are most often made out of hubris and ego. The kindness of men video recorded and regurgitated en masse as viral sensations. Where humanity, Americans especially have socially evolved into a kind of cold indifference to the wanton suffering around them. Where we give sentiment but far too rarely action as a way to sate the guilt of the human condition.
By Farren Blackwell5 years ago in Humans
Seven Smiles
Good Deeds I work at a place, let’s call it “Better Buy”, that allows me to work one on one with people to either help discover or further their needs for comfort, leisure, entertainment, work, and creativity. The opportunity almost always presents itself for others to prove that good deeds don’t have to be such an oddity and rarity- yet so little do I get the chance to say that I’ve witnessed it happen. Which is why I think telling this story might be something constructive, if not just enjoyable to the eyes and heart.
By VillainousTitan5 years ago in Humans