The week begins
pretty horrific, actually
days of unspeakable tragedy
and devastating sadness
compounded of course, by a most inhumane
self-centric buffoon, who
just when one thinks cannot possibly get worse
always, always
does
heavy, heavy heart…
lightened ever so slightly
by a very grand outpouring
of love
at work
I start to spot hearts, in the dirt
in the core of my apple
in small fallen leaves
and the ladybug that travels my arm
at mid-week
we wait at the train station
to gather up
daughter number two for Christmas
a young man walks by with
a small bouquet of roses in hand
I smile…
inside watching for that familiar face
ahead of her
descending the ramp
a lovely young lady excitedly chats away
holding the bouquet
and the young man’s arm
the blessing of sweet love
shared
together
juxtaposed
with the stark loneliness of
the young-ish woman outside, scarred skin
bitten by the bitter cold wind
looking for hand-outs and discarded bits of
food
in the garbage
food bank donations made, but nothing to offer
here
I talk to my husband about a woman
who travels with care packages in her car
for
kindness
back at home, after finishing up a little
Christmas shop, thinking of simple ways to
spread joy
while weighing out the “holiday” of rampant
consumerism
I take just a few minutes wander in the garden
and look to the roses
that somehow stay so delicately beautiful
despite
the nasty cold
back inside, warm
intentioned
I send loving kindness
anywhere it may be needed
and top up donations to those
in need in my own country, as well as
a few others in our shared
world
kindness
love
and hope
simple gifts
and also… as always,
I send
along
a few books ♥