Little Simple Pleasures

A few soft words at a time of sorrow

at a time of struggle

a room for however long

you need it, for however long you stay

little jokes and heavy ribbing

“do you remember when”s

and “oh no not this again”s

words of wisdom and understanding

at so many times of worry and at the times of indecision

a cup of coffee, tea, cocoa

warmth and tight smiles, strong grips on the cups

an arm wrapped around shaking shoulders in the dark

and a glass of water, a roll of toilet paper when

you can’t get it yourself, a woman who usually would never

reaching out at the sight of tears

a spot on the couch, an extra spoon in the container

an extra fork in the take-out, harsh truths held back when they can’t help

a gift of laughter, of playing cards

of bitten nail close calls and “I’ll beat you next time”,

games, daily doses of reality, dreams spoken

and shared and planned and held

gifts straight from the heart

made perfect for the heart receiving

a hug to welcome you in at the door, a

“what can I get you” and something in your hand

before you’ve even asked, spent time

rides and food for days

a glass of wine waiting and a cutting word ready for

an idiot who made your day

that much harder, a pair of mittens

an old sweatshirt and a pair of socks

the last few cents for a purchase not quite

made, stepping up to place a card down first

good natured arguments in a restaurant

over who’s going to get the bill

that end when the quietest slips cash to the waiter

cold, genuine fury and fear at those

who set you back, at those who cause you pain

new shoes and a new jacket, scarves made because you looked

cold the last time they saw you

just the right amount sent just ‘cause

a helping hand outstretched, forever and always

regardless of being taken

or not taken, time and time again

“I’m always here for you”

and “I’ll always be there for you”

carefully swept floors, carefully cleaned toilets

dishes scrubbed, dried, and returned to homes

in cupboards, on shelves

extra sweatpants and a share of the ice cream

their favorite show on even when it’s not yours

a silent strength and a fire behind the passion

forever there, a shoulder to cry on

laughter ready and shouts to be raised in good news

a fix it attitude, a set of creative hands

repairs, stitches good as new

pies, cakes, and cookies, scribbled recipes tucked

alongside faded strips cut

carefully from a magazine

a mind racing, changing, striking, and looking

out for you, tired eyes staying open to make sure

you make it home safely, looking on until

you’ve locked your door behind you

stacks

and stacks, and stacks of stories

of books and written sheets

little notes kept and shared

letters, cards, words from family and friends

sent off into the world to reach, to touch

pictures from times

before, pictures from moments

of shared love and sadness and excitement

simple, small, gratitude and shared experiences

a collection, a menagerie

of my family and of my friends

of myself, a thousand miniature, a few larger than life

personal acts of kindness, ones that have touched me

have molded me inside and out, the ones I hope have

touched someone or somewhere

a rock in the pond, in the ocean

with ripples made

waves, a million small things

made big, molding others softly

quietly, calm and

incomprehensibly extraordinary

beautiful kindnesses

to make the world a brighter more brilliant place.

***

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