When Sympathy Fails

kindness not judgement
succors pains unknown
to one who is well

Keeping Kindness

I failed myself
by letting a bitter tinge
eat away at my kindness.

But from where can it spring
when its source,
the goodwill of others,
is sorely lacking?

Taken for Granted

you may ask something of me every time we meet
but from then on, I shall only remember you as a deficit
and when I find I need to balance out my ledger
I’ll say my piece and see less of you

Selective Kindness

If one treats you well and not others
remember that in an instant
their malice may be turned on you

Ledgers

do not do me now a kindness
as license for harsh words
spat during some tomorrow

Evidence

I hear not the human voices
which so often hide their meaning
sweet-coated lies
geegaws amidst the gleaming
but take stock of actions and kindness instead;
In doing so, I find virtues better well-pled.

Callus

kindness met with demands
instead of gratefulness or
reciprocal kindness
dries up good will
and hardens a soft heart

A Kindness

If I lay down to weep
do not thrash me to rise
for then I shall meekly stay
and bleed to death;

Instead, give me your arm —
and your sleeve.

False Altruism

kindness is not kindness
if it is only done
in times of convenience
and in anticipation
of some future exchange
of favors

Thirst

My kindness is conditional
upon kindness in return;
concern and love
poured upon me
during parched times.

If you drain me
without filling me
and even try to rob me
of self-love
then you create a cave
in which evil whispers
echo and increase.

These urge me to drink dry
the goodwill of others —
insatiable thirst

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