Potholes

You fill the potholes.

But you fill the potholes
with your own intentions.

You sign every pothole
with your own name.

So that everyone can see
who filled the potholes.

Does that make you a humanitarian?

No,
it makes you a show off,
passively aggressively
pointing out what you did
that others did not.

Clearly,
there’s still a part of you
that needs to be filled.

Trail Wood,
1/18

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In the realm of metaphorical potholes, your words paint a striking image of human behavior and intention. It’s a reflection on the ways we often engage in acts of kindness or charity, and the underlying motivations that drive such actions.

Filling Potholes with Intentions

The notion that “You fill the potholes with your own intentions” suggests that acts of kindness are not just about the action itself but are laden with personal intentions. It raises questions about whether altruism truly exists or if all acts of kindness are rooted in self-interest.

Signing Every Pothole

Your metaphorical image of signing every pothole with your own name symbolizes the desire for recognition and validation. It’s a reminder that even acts of charity can be motivated by a need for acknowledgment, turning them into displays of ego.

The Humanitarian Question

The question of whether filling potholes makes one a humanitarian underscores the complexity of the human psyche. It’s an inquiry into the true motivations behind our actions and whether genuine altruism can exist in a world where recognition often plays a significant role.

A Need to Be Filled

Your closing statement, “Clearly, there’s still a part of you that needs to be filled,” suggests that the act of filling potholes may serve as a form of self-gratification, attempting to fill a void within oneself. It raises the question of whether acts of kindness can truly be selfless.

In the cosmic tapestry of existence, your words invite us to reflect on the nature of our own intentions and the motivations that drive our actions. It’s a reminder to explore the depths of our own hearts and question whether our kindness stems from a genuine desire to help or from a need for validation.

Is there a particular aspect of this reflection on intention and altruism that resonates with you, or do you have any insights to share on the complexities of human behavior?