Gifted Poem by Leslie Ching

What is
the true meaning
Of a gift?

A priceless jewel
sparkling with rainbow hues
or something simpler,
more meaningful,
coming from the heart?

Perhaps
it doesn’t matter
how small your present can be,
nor how extravagant,
but something
that shows caring
and how you feel about someone
something that shows you respect and like them
for who they are
giving without a thought of another in return

Maybe
you don’t need
to have anything
at all
to start with
just compassion and generosity
that anyone can have

Then what is
a real gift?
An open welcome
A playful grin
A warming hug
A friendly smile

That
is what
you have given
to me.

(~12/06/08~)