Kindness

Walking along the broken path,
trees above cradle over you.
A beggar on the corner sits,
Aged, unkempt and rugged
Those drawing near reject his cry
Glancing towards him
Their souls filled with sharp aversion
Yet your eyes shine, gazing deep
Towards this destitute man;
Filled with unfathomable compassion.
Ghastly chills caress the air,
Each breath pervades your lungs;
pierces deep and overwhelms.
A Tattered coat gives no protection;
This man in dire need, ashamed
Your smile shines brightly, dazzles
With kindness, offering a helping hand.
Yet taken back, sarcastically he accepts,
And inevitably vulnerable becomes.
An exchange of words ensues.
Life’s stories unwound , ideas intertwined,
Peace settles all around, soft and sacred.
This moment is seemingly perfect
True happiness finds it’s way to his heart.
Intense warmth swells up inside,
Eternally grateful for the gift received.
An angel through his eyes you became;
One simple good deed, a world of difference.
An unusual sensation sweeps through him
Thankfulness is emerging, a feeling long since felt.
Give those in need one of your smiles he says,
It might be the only sunshine they see all day.
How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it
Gratitude, is the memory of the heart.
My memory is now overflowing.