Of Human Kindness

A simple respect
The smallest human kindness
Heals wounded spirits
Soothes underlying fears
Eases feelings of inadequacy.

The cruelest words can be
“Cheer up, it’s not so bad.”
To deny someone their feelings
Robs their life experience
Of it’s meaning,
Stunting emotional growth.

Harsh judgments
destroy relationships.
It helps to understand.
If understanding fails,
At least do not condemn
What you cannot understand.
Why would you tell someone else
What to feel?

Our thoughts and feelings
Are what make us unique
No one else can think our thoughts
Or feel our feelings.
Sometimes they can relate
Or share a similar experience
But our experience of life is our own.
Life is to be respected,
Not insulted or ridiculed.


Sometimes the silent “being with”
Is the most eloquent expression
Of love and respect.

Shenachie
26 August 2002