Kindness of a Stranger: A Poem

How powerful is the kindness of a stranger?

With no obligation or reason to show

But simply because they want you to know

Your heart and their heart are saying hello

…

The insults of strangers are deflated by ubiquity

We hear them so often like the buzz of a bee

Every now and again they give you a sting

But they don’t have the power to conquer me

…

Why waste words to tear someone down?

We need more strangers who can reverse a frown

Who are not afraid to look like a clown

But can brighten a room without making a sound

…

The kind words of a friend are almost expected

But a stranger can surprise you while you are protected

With a smile or a gesture or gift unexpected

You’re likely to bring down all our defenses

…

Kindness is known to bring forth repentance

A desire to pay forward that which was given

To take not for granted the great gift of friendship

But extend kindness to those who don’t expect it