Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” promotes compassion to counteract racism, as illustrated by Atticus Finch’s advice to his daughter Scout. Research from Stanford and the University of Texas reinforces the importance of compassion and self-compassion for psychological and social well-being. Kindness and compassion also have contagious effects that benefit society. However, global happiness is declining, a phenomenon that can be remedied by fostering compassion, which is crucial for a content and connected society.

By: R.T. Castleberry THE WORLD IS NOT RENEWED Sleeping beneathGoodwill blanket and sheets,the first rattle of winteragainst the windows,I take tension intoevery breathing day.Feral, almost criminal,I drive back threats, toss backtavern shots and beers.No matter where I strike,any lie or…

By: Dr. Charles Gibson O peace, where art thou? Seek me out as a prize, inthe midst of a plate, observedby one who hungers for fulfillment.Take hold of me, like a memorizedlover, infatuated with my very presence.Grip me, O peace,…

By: Vanaja Malathy What is love? Love is love! Does love happen among the equals? not always…remember the Vendetta between two families of Romeo and Juliet Does love happen between two youngsters? not always… recall Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita Does love…

By: James Aitchison The world does not wait.I will.Hear my voice in thestillness. In the calmnessthat defies distractions.Know the passages oflives and fates,know of the death thatfollows each death,know of love beyond love.The world and its opinionsare not important.I will…

By: Ramlal Agarwal  Raj Kamal Jha is an IIT student and holds a Master’s from the University of Southern California. He is the chief editor at The Indian Express, the largest newspaper in India. He appeared on the literary scene in 1996 with…

By: Bruce Levine Spring Erases Winter The season of snow Comes to an end As all things must Winter melts with The residue of ice Making way for the spring As the budding of trees And crocuses sprouting Forecast the…

By: Harrison Abbott My brother Freddie was sentenced to be executed. He’d been on Death Row for years; but he was due to be killed next week. On the Tuesday. So I drove over to see him for one last…

By Jim Bates After somber rainPretty morning glories bloomUnexpected gift. Belief they will growCarrot seeds planted with careFaith in Nature’s hands. Woodland stream babblingBubbling along trickling songNature’s lullaby.

By Nolo Segundo The Ocean Between Two Souls When you tryto understand anotherand find a wall put up in haste,orcome upon an old moatwith more mud than wateryet still impassableandyou wonder once againwhy there’s alwaysan abyssbetween you and the other……