Ripples

Can you recall a time when you

were troubled, anxious through and through,

alone with thoughts that crushed your soul,

destroyed the you which made you whole,

all balance gone, you've lost your way?

An act of kindness can instill,

the warmest feelings of goodwill,

can take a person by surprise,

add light into the saddest eyes,

in otherwise a hopeless day.

A passing thought, a kindly deed

is often all another needs

inside a world that seems content

to spiral downwards in descent,

into the depths of deep dismay.

A stone thrown into water will

send many ripples out until

the surface calms and all is still.

Reach out and touch another's mind,

it costs you nothing to be kind.

Reviews

[Neville]

it costs nothing does it .. and the rewards can be priceless .. makes me wonder why it isn't dished out in abundance and much more often .. the perfect title became clear within the context of such a lovely and thoughtful poem, only after my first visit .. then it was clear as a bell on a clear day ......... Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Neville. That ripple effect can have such impact. We live in such unkind times. Pleased you found this oldie (the poem) I am forever young lol. Have a glorious day.

Chris

[Fran Marie]

Good advice for all of us Chris..being kind does indeed have the ripple effect ..an act of kindness goes a long way of spreading goodwill to all mankind..lovely thoughts..

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Fran for your lovely review. Your visit much appreciated.

Chris

[kitty]

I agree wholeheartedly. If only more people would take on this cloak! Life is short. the world is large and beautiful - why not enjoy it i say. Live and let live should be our goal!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you kitty for your lovely review. Pleased to see you and all good wishes coming your way.
read moreThank you kitty for your lovely review. Pleased to see you and all good wishes coming your way.

Chris

[kitty]

My pleasure!

[Richard M]

Once again your poetry shines in this read. Always love your wordplay Chris :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Richard for checking this one out. Much appreciated.

Chris

[Dave]

I often get see what affect, others might see as simple acts of kindness, can have on a person. There are a myriad of everyday things, but for me, my especial treat is being Santa once a year and visiting older folks in their care facilities. I swear - THEY BECOME CHILDREN AGAIN!! I soooo look forward to being Santa each year.

[Chris Shaw]

What fun being Santa Dave. All that joy you give to children and the older generation. Thank you for that and your visit.

Chris

[Dave]

Thank you Chris - Honest to goodness, for me its' one of the delights I have in Christmas.
Take care - Dave

[Einstein Noodle]

to live by Christine .. everyday .. nicely said ... even as ripples in water as as old as love ;) they can be new every day eh!? strong everything as always ma'am
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Mr E. Yes, let there always be ripples of kindness radiating out. So appreciate your warm visits.

Chris

[theyellowdiary]

Kindness is really underrated and rare these days. In the name of confidence, kindness is becoming extinct and arrogance has taken over which is really sad. Beautiful poem :)

[Chris Shaw]

What a lovely and thoughtful response from you. Welcome to my page. I appreciate your time and I send you my thanks.

Chris

[Papaya]

I know how a kind word can make all the difference when you're feeling off, and how an unkind word can send you on a spiral

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ana for your visit. All good wishes.

Chris

[Verse]

Thank you, Chris! Kindness is the hidden treasure of the human spirit, in my opinion, and it is wonderful to see it expressed on several levels here.

Poetically, the rhyme and meter carry this little piece forward. I couldn't help but think of a woodwind instrument, the poetics, the rhyme and meter, being the body of the flute, and some intangible that flows through being the equivalent of the air, or the music.

Not every poem smiles back at you, but this one does. :):)

V

[Chris Shaw]

I am so happy this little poem smiled back at you Verse. I very much appreciate the kindness in your review. Enjoy the rest of the day :)

Chris