Gayle Rodd | + Follow Poet |
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Empathetic Eyes

Somewhere in the world someone was suffering
as I laid awake at night and realized
my time had come to vindicate my reasoning
why I should see with empathetic eyes

So cynical was I and full of judgment
as a homeless man approached me for a dime
I failed to stop and think just for a moment
this could be ME at any given time

I had to reevaluate my blessings
for MANY I’d been given through the years
and taking part my heart began confessing
my empathetic eyes revived with tears

I prayed to God for kindness and compassion
to recognize and love humanity
and when I asked for His divine direction
His empathetic eyes acknowledged me

Copyright © Gayle Rodd | Year Posted 2017

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Phil Capitano Date: 6/4/2017 7:53:00 AM Wonderful story Gayle of awakening to the ways of compassion; wish more could have this revelation. Keep up the good work. Login to Reply Gayle Rodd Date: 6/4/2017 10:56:00 AM Thank you so much my friend

Gary Bateman Date: 5/30/2017 4:26:00 PM Hello Gayle, This one is a marvelously rendered rhyme which speaks volumes to the importance of kindness and compassion in one's life. Being aware of the blessings that each of us have goes a long way in how each of us approach and interact with others, and how we share a willingness and a spirit to help others in times of need and despair. I'm very glad to see your poem here made on the best new poems list!! Congratulations!! And Best Wishes . . . Gary Login to Reply Gayle Rodd Date: 5/30/2017 6:15:00 PM Thank you so much Gary. I need a piece of 'humble pie' once in a while and the Lord knows that! ;)

Connie Marcum Wong Date: 5/25/2017 9:51:00 PM Yes, "there but for the grace of God go I" Your poem expresses a lesson we can all aspire to. It is beautifully written! Congratulations on having it on the best new poems list Gayle. Blessings, Connie Login to Reply Gayle Rodd Date: 5/25/2017 10:25:00 PM Oh it is??? Cool! I'll have to go look! Thank you for reading. :)

Lin Lane Date: 5/5/2017 1:36:00 PM I think this write is a good reminder of the blessings we've been given, and to take time to remember those who have been less fortunate. A cheerful giver gets back more than he ever gives. Well done, Gayle. Login to Reply Gayle Rodd Date: 5/5/2017 1:53:00 PM Thanks for reading Lin. I guess I what I tried to convey in this piece is I should have a soft heart for giving just because it's the right thing to do and not because I would need it to benefit me someday, does that make sense? ;p

Chris Green Date: 5/5/2017 1:35:00 PM Such a deeply emotive poem Gayle with feelings that I no I can relate to. Though I usually spare some money when I can and the opportunity arises, there was a time that I didn't and felt uncomfortable with the entire situation until the I realized, as your wonderful poem states...that could be me someday. Thanks so much for sharing this. Login to Reply Gayle Rodd Date: 5/5/2017 1:51:00 PM Thank you, Chris. This was a fictitious character, but I know if I'm being honest I've felt cynical about giving and only because there are people that scam and 'fraud' their way into our generosity and they ruin it for those who truly need it. I guess I was 'once bitten, twice shy' in the past.