"Manifesto: Just Care" poem by Isaac James

Isaac James writes his poem at The Spark's first poetry night of the year at Venture on King. The Spark hosts a poetry night each month where students read and discuss a theme poem, write a poem of their own, and share their poetry with the group. Photo credit: Adrienne Stumb

Be the one who cares. Not because others do, but precisely because they do not. Through dirty looks, side conversations you never hear but always see, through these things persevere because others do not. You'll be called a loser, a dramatist, a loser, loser. Because people don't care anymore. The earth is crying out for help, politicians line their pockets and tell us that fighting over the country of someone's birth, the God they worship, the box they check on a ballot is more important. But, no one cares, And if you do? You're weird, why bring it up? Its not the place or time, but then when is? Clearly the place or time hasn't come yet, or else we would do something to address what's right in front of our eyes. Care about people too. Ask your friends how their parents are. Write a letter, even, from time to time. Give a gift card to a teacher or just a “have a good day” on your way out the door. Start doing things that show you care. Start to care. Just care more, please.