A Weakness for Kindness                The Strength of Kindness

By Sarah Parmarter.                    By Kermit Rose

A kind word,                           To speak only good,
a kind gesture,                        to show concern,
kind eyes looking at me,               to like another person,
"Tell me about it" coming              to wish your friend's feelings
across the miles on the phone,         to be in harmony,
The offer of a cup of coffee:          to offer whatever help is needed...
"I know you like your coffee"...       These are the strengths of kindness.

The opposite of kindness               If Unkindness comes my way,
is nastiness.                          it is ok,  
It cuts to the quick.                  for I have the strength of kindness.
In an instant,                         I care for what I may do for others 
it makes you hurt and small            more than for 
like a wounded animal.                 what others may do for me.

I have been nasty more                 I have made mistakes.  
than I would want to say,              It is ok,
which is odd,                          for I have the strength of kindness.
because I have a weakness              I enjoy being kind.
for kindness.                          The moments of sharing kindness
It melts me, steals my heart           are lasting rewards.
and when nasty is aimed at me
I crumble and the wound 
stays with me a long time.