you used to wear anger like 

amour protective, cinched in

and impossibly tight. but now 

you are clothed with a banner

of kindness instead. 

~~~~

eyes unveiled to see others’ 

needs and hands free to lend 

a helping hand. and I must say 

that while you underrate the gift 

you have to give and think that 

~~~~

‘others must just do it too,’ i can 

remind you that they don’t. and this 

is due to the choices you have made

and that path you have embraced

because it could have been different.

~~~~

and while i used to often worry, now 

i don’t because you have all the 

character that you need gathered 

in close to live a life full and free 

as you drink the cup of kindness.

~~~~

©Heather Pound 2022