Acts Of Kindness Poem by Daniel Brick

(1)

Kindness is the oldest gesture
in our vocabulary of gestures.
And the sweetest. Did Eve extend
her hand to help Adam to his feet
when he awoke beneath her smiling face?
Did Abraham steady Ishmael's steps
as they trod the rugged path of Mount Horeb?
Did Rachel's glance reassure Jacob of her love
even as he married Leah to satisfy the father's
bias? And what of Noah and his crowded cargo:
How many frightened animals did he calm
during their tumultuous voyage?
And how we are humbled and amazed
in equal measure over God bringing
the sparrow back to life and flight
to reassure Abraham's heart....

(2)

I will not speak of the great deeds.
They will take care of themselves,
God willing. Let me rather celebrate
a small gesture with a long shadow.
You saw me locked out, and fumbling
with keys. In a flash, you opened
the door and admitted me to the place
we both belonged. Then you vanished
into your act of kindness, needing no
thanks for following God's example, and God willing,
I will learn from your example to be so kind.