If I can stop one heart from breaking

Summary

This poem conveys a profound and simple message about the purpose of life, emphasizing empathy and compassion. It suggests that an individual's life becomes meaningful when they make a positive impact on others, even through small acts of kindness. The speaker aspires to stop a heart from breaking and ease someone's pain, reinforcing the importance of selflessness and care. By helping others, whether by providing comfort or assisting a small bird back to its nest, the speaker feels they have not lived in vain. Through this, the poem teaches children the value of helping others and finding fulfillment in altruistic actions.

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If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.