If I Can Stop One Heart from Breaking

 By Emily Dickinson

Editor's note: During particularly chaotic periods, like the one we are currently living through,  it is easy to feel that what we do doesn't make much of a difference in the grand scheme of things. This short poem by Emily Dickinson, however, is a powerful reminder of the impact of simple, small acts of kindness.

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.