A Little Kindness Never Hurts

So very often I have come across
Bewildered hedgehogs running at a loss
On which direction best to wend their way
Through the dense traffic, much to their dismay.

Or heard the tweeting of a baby bird
Sprawled in discomfort, hungry, maybe hurt
Beneath the branches where its siblings rest
Inside the comfort of their cosy nest.

I’ve been alerted to the feeble cries 
Of a poor kitten which I localize
Trapped by its collar to a prickly hedge,
Stuck in a bundle on a narrow ledge.

My heart is fragile, feels for those in need
These helpless creatures I would surely heed.
For the same reason I could not be blind
To people’s problems – willing to be kind.

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"A Little Kindness Never Hurts"
A contest hosted by Brenda Chiri
Placed 1st
© 7th December 2018
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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12
Crabtree Avatar
December 18, 2020 at 4:40 PM
Beautiful. I feel the same way, Paul. Hope you have a great weekend :)
Callus Avatar
December 19, 2020 at 3:31 AM
Thank you, Angela. May you too have a wonderful weekend :) Regards // paul
Dietrich Avatar
February 15, 2019 at 8:19 PM
Oh I just love this one. I feel this way too about small animals. I am so happy to have finally seen this poem of yours. It's one that somehow got past me. Also i see it placed high. AWESOME and congrats.
Callus Avatar
February 16, 2019 at 8:22 AM
Thank you, Andrea; your lovely comments are appreciated. I'm glad we both think likewise regarding these small creatures! Have a nice weekend. // paul
Ashley Avatar
December 18, 2018 at 10:30 AM
I am so pleased to return with my enthusiastic congratulations for your wonderful win, Paul. Your heartwarming poem of kindness reflects the beauty of your compassionate soul. It was a pleasure to reread this lovely piece. Warmest wishes for a happy Holiday season, my dear friend.. ~Susan
Callus Avatar
December 18, 2018 at 1:31 PM
Thank you, Susan; a return visit is as much appreciated as the first, and sometimes even more:) May I take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a merry and blessed Christmas. Warm regards & Hugs // paul
Raven Avatar
December 14, 2018 at 5:03 AM
Hi Paul, congratulations on your win in the contest with this wonderful piece. it did read like a winner, holding all the kindness of a poetry gem. Your pen is surely singing my friend. This one touches the heart. It is always a pleasure and an honour to read your words Paul. A fave. Have a wonderful friday. Your friend always....Mike.
Callus Avatar
December 14, 2018 at 7:23 AM
Thank you very much, my friend. Your support and encouragement are always appreciated. May I wish you a lovely and peaceful weekend. // paul
Wolf Avatar
December 12, 2018 at 1:01 PM
This is such a touching and heartwarming write, Paul... I was immediately reminded of Emily Dickinson's, "If I Can Stop One Heart from Breaking." Congrats on your well-deserved win. Best wishes, Gershon
Devonshire Avatar
December 13, 2018 at 11:20 AM
Surely Emily's works are among the best known in the poetry community. A comparison to Emily is quite a compliment for Paul.
Callus Avatar
December 12, 2018 at 2:53 PM
Thank you, Gershon. Walking in the shadow of Emily is not at all bad:) Regards // paul
Devonshire Avatar
December 12, 2018 at 6:42 AM
Stopping back with congratulations on your win with this touching poem! Way to go, Paul Hugs, Carolyn
Callus Avatar
December 12, 2018 at 8:54 AM
Thank you, Carolyn...repeat visits are much appreciated:) Hugs // paul
Vaso Avatar
December 12, 2018 at 12:23 AM
So nice, kindness has many unexpected rewards!!
Callus Avatar
December 12, 2018 at 8:45 AM
Thank you, Arthur. He who giveth to the 'poor' shall not lack! Regards // paul
Bangalee Avatar
December 11, 2018 at 9:56 PM
beautiful poem shared
Callus Avatar
December 12, 2018 at 8:32 AM
Thank you, Mahtab. Regards // paul
Breidenthal Avatar
December 11, 2018 at 5:09 AM
This is an amazing poem!! Speechless actually.. -JWE
Callus Avatar
December 11, 2018 at 12:04 PM
I love your reaction, JW...thank you!! regards // paul
Gauthier Avatar
December 10, 2018 at 7:00 PM
Lovely poem, Paul. Congrats on your well deserved top win.
Callus Avatar
December 11, 2018 at 12:04 PM
Thank you for reading and liking, Line. Best regards // paul
Marcum Wong Avatar
December 10, 2018 at 1:47 PM
This is beautiful Paul! You have a kind sensitive soul as many poet's do. Animals need our help and protection, sometimes from cruel humans. But for the most part I feel humans have kindness in their hearts. Congratulations on your wonderful win! I just missed getting my entry posted in time. I got busy with Christmas. Happy holidays my dear friend! : ) xxoo
Callus Avatar
December 11, 2018 at 12:03 PM
Thank you, Connie. I too believe that most humans have kindness stored within them, ready to be shared. I read your 'missed' entry, and I am sure Brenda would have included it in the winners' list. Season's greetings to you and all yours! :) Regards // paul
Andresen Avatar
December 10, 2018 at 1:04 PM
- Being kind is undoubtedly what people should put highest in everyday life - Congratulations on your winning poem, Paul :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Callus Avatar
December 11, 2018 at 12:00 PM
Thank you, Anne-Lise:) Kindness costs nothing, yet it hands out great dividends. Hugs // paul
Ashley Avatar
December 9, 2018 at 10:51 AM
The spirit of kindness shines with generous compassion and tender beauty in your inspiring poem, Paul. Such mercy truly nourishes the heart of the giver as well as the receiver. Best wishes for a win and warmest wishes always for you, my dear friend.. ~Susan
Callus Avatar
December 9, 2018 at 12:06 PM
Thank you, dear Susan. Not only your poetry is beautiful, but so also are the comments which you leave on each and every visit that you pay! ~ Warm regards and hugs, my friend. // paul
One Avatar
December 9, 2018 at 10:40 AM
Beautiful words Paul..
Callus Avatar
December 9, 2018 at 11:47 AM
Thank you, S-1. Best regards // paul
Sathasivam Avatar
December 9, 2018 at 1:45 AM
Excellent. Very much touched my heart deeply. Your kindness become gift to others. Good luck in the contest.Thanks for sharing it.
Callus Avatar
December 9, 2018 at 3:54 AM
Thank you, Ravi. Have just enjoyed reading your Christmas poem...very fitting for this time of year! Regards // paul
Devonshire Avatar
December 9, 2018 at 1:13 AM
You can tell a lot about a person by the way they treat animals. The kindness in your heart is a gift to those around you, Paul. I love the examples you described so well, my friend. Some people talk the talk, but you also walk the walk. A sure winner! Hugs, Carolyn
Callus Avatar
December 9, 2018 at 3:51 AM
Thank you for the feedback and lovely comments, Carolyn. I expect that being kind would be something that comes naturally. You too are a person who I have known to show kindness in various ways, without expecting anything in return :) Hugs // paul
Roper Avatar
December 9, 2018 at 12:25 AM
nicely done , Paul, good luck in the contest.
Callus Avatar
December 9, 2018 at 3:32 AM
Thank you, Eve. Best seasonal greetings to you. // paul
Evans Avatar
December 8, 2018 at 3:40 PM
This poem is layered with subtle rhymes and two-fold meaning. Very nice.
Callus Avatar
December 8, 2018 at 3:52 PM
Thank you, Richard. Pleased to have you visiting. Regards // paul
Onclaud Avatar
December 8, 2018 at 2:42 PM
awhhh, i love animals and this beautiful poem captures the very essence of caring for these creatures... delightful paul... huggs
Callus Avatar
December 8, 2018 at 2:56 PM
So pleased you enjoyed this simple poem, Nette, whose main aim was to promote kindness, even if in small but significant doses. Thank you. Hugs // paul
Messina Avatar
December 8, 2018 at 1:00 PM
Great take on the contest, Paul well-done and best of luck...have a nice weekend!
Callus Avatar
December 8, 2018 at 2:26 PM
Thank you on all counts, Charles. A nice weekend to you, too! // paul
La France Avatar
December 8, 2018 at 11:09 AM
Paul, beautiful, this touched my heart deeply, I am sort of like this too, I always stop to help a person or animal in need, well done and a winner to me ~
Callus Avatar
December 8, 2018 at 2:25 PM
Thank you, Constance. I knew that I was surrounded by many kindhearted Soupers, and the comments that I've been receiving confirm that, including yours:) Hope you're enjoying the weekend. Regards // paul
Proxenos Avatar
December 8, 2018 at 10:09 AM
Hi Paul, a couple of years a go, in America, dont which which state or town, a mother duck and her 4 or 5 ducklings made the news because they weaved across 8 lanes of traffic without harm coming to any of them! Quite remarkable, maybe you were in one of the cars, and in your caring, kind way helped save the day. Warm regards, Jennifer.
Callus Avatar
December 8, 2018 at 2:12 PM
I remember the incident which you refer to, Jennifer. I believe that though I was not in one of them cars [thank you for the mention:)] the other drivers were kind enough to slow down and give them time to cross safely. Warm regards // paul
Allison Avatar
December 7, 2018 at 5:12 PM
These small actions mean so much Paul and I for one know how kind and generous you are especially helping this damsel in distress today lol:-) hugs Jan xx
Callus Avatar
December 8, 2018 at 10:01 AM
As Tom said, acts of kindness cost nothing, but can mean a lot to those in need. It was my pleasure helping a fair damsel in distress, lol! Hugs // paul
Green Avatar
December 7, 2018 at 5:03 PM
This was great Paul. I am the same way, I have to help no matter what the situation. This was really nice and should do well in the contest.
Callus Avatar
December 8, 2018 at 9:52 AM
I have no doubt that you and many others have lots of kindness to share, Chris; keep up the good work! Regards // paul
Sands Avatar
December 7, 2018 at 4:04 PM
This is very nice Paul. Well written! :)
Callus Avatar
December 8, 2018 at 9:51 AM
Thank you, Heidi; pleased you enjoyed. Regards // paul
12
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