Steps For Random Acts of Kindness

Noticing his neighbor’s young child
has laid a ladder against a tree,
determined to rescue a pet kitty stuck up there,
a middle-aged man crosses the street
and offers to help.
He STEPS UP the ladder
and retrieves the cat for his neighbor’s son.

A young woman 
stands behind a harried mother
who struggles with a wailing baby
as she tries to take items from her shopping cart.
Without thinking twice, the young woman offers to help as
she STEPS FORWARD
to place the lady’s items on the grocery conveyer belt.

A teenage girl, eager to see a certain popular movie,
is standing in line waiting to buy her ticket.
She hears the couple behind her
speaking excitedly about this movie.
Learning there are only two seats left for that showing,
she STEPS BACK
and lets the couple buy the last two remaining tickets for themselves.

At a nursing home to see his mother,
a busy office worker is informed by his mother
of a lonely widower who never gets visitors
and who is feeling abandoned by his children.
Asking a nurse for the man's room number,
he STEPS IN
for a visit with the elderly widower.

A young boy who delivers newspapers
has noticed one of the older women on his route
is now using crutches.
Instead of tossing a rolled up paper to her lawn
as he usually does,
he STEPS OFF his bike
and delivers the paper to the woman personally at her door.

It matters not whether you are old or young
or whether the person you might see in need
is a stranger or a friend,
Don’t let opportunities for random acts of kindness 
pass you by.
Whether it’s UP, FORWARD, BACK, IN or OFF,
just take a little action; take STEPS!

March 7, 2018 for  Kai Michael Neumann's Random Acts of Kindness Contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Acrich Avatar
April 20, 2018 at 9:21 AM
very nice:)
Acrich Avatar
April 10, 2018 at 7:02 PM
This poem is like photos, the part about the paper boy that was me. I would beg my customers if ever you do not have your paper call me at home, but stupid people would call the office and I had to drop everything to find their paper or buy a new one .You see the challenge was to have a perfect record, then you would get orange bags.
Acrich Avatar
April 10, 2018 at 7:02 PM
This poem is like photos, the part about the paper boy that was me. I would beg my customers if ever you do not have your paper call me at home, but stupid people would call the office and I had to drop everything to find their paper or buy a new one .You see the challenge was to have a perfect record, then you would get orange bags.
Horne Avatar
March 31, 2018 at 2:46 PM
love this, with a powerful message
Barden Avatar
March 30, 2018 at 4:25 AM
Blessings and sincere congratulations on your fine win, Buddy - all the best to you, my friend! :-)
Neumann Avatar
March 21, 2018 at 9:23 AM
Beautiful poem and wonderful steps. Congratulations and thank you for taking part in my contest. One step at a time and a long journey. Many wishes, Kai
Gauthier Avatar
March 21, 2018 at 8:13 AM
Very well constructed poem with a beautiful flow and message. A most deserving win, Andrea.
Horne Avatar
March 10, 2018 at 10:25 AM
love this & with such a strong message, my friend
Duncan Avatar
March 10, 2018 at 1:57 AM
Nothing like random acts of kindness :)
Anish Avatar
March 9, 2018 at 10:19 AM
You chronicle acts of kindness very well. I gave some money to a local charity and pledged some money to my alma mater - Brooklyn College the other day. The synagogue I go to feeds the homeless - I have yet to volunteer there but may in the future. Teaching ESL as we do is an act of kindness! Good luck in the contest! Peace & Love Matthew Anish
Godwin Avatar
March 9, 2018 at 9:02 AM
These snapshots are wonderfully creative and heartwarming. This was an uplifting read for me, reminded me of how quiet, but real and many are the good people in this world. Love ... CayCay
Lamoureux Avatar
March 9, 2018 at 8:44 AM
This felt good to read Andrea. Hugs Rick.
Acrich Avatar
March 9, 2018 at 8:32 AM
Visit me here once in a while https://plus.google.com By the way jews are all about good deeds the religions one there called Mitsvas and they say the whole world is held up by Mitavas
Acrich Avatar
March 9, 2018 at 8:30 AM
Very nice poem, a sort of slice of life, you remind me that I was once a paperboy, I had to collect $ 2.25A month and these old people did not have it   Waiting for that SS check and as far as crying babies is concerned, I dodged that bullet
Goff Avatar
March 8, 2018 at 9:49 PM
Andrea, well deserved topic, this story of everyday kindness, unheralded, the groundwork of example connects us in this cellphone culture, setting the stage for "pay it forward" what makes us human, nicely done, jim
Roper Avatar
March 8, 2018 at 8:32 PM
Angels of mercy ,, I'm blessed to see when I am out.Just the littlest things to help makes a person look up <3 nicely done perfect for the contest.
Horsman Avatar
March 8, 2018 at 4:17 PM
So positive Andrea, also an inspiration, from your pen.
Duet Avatar
March 8, 2018 at 11:18 AM
Beautiful, Andrea. I will definitely look for those opportunities to "step up:. Thank you. GL in the contest, though I doubt you need it.
One Avatar
March 8, 2018 at 8:08 AM
Tick, tick, tick, tick... I think you included almost everything.. Great poem for the contest Andrea..
Rodrigues Avatar
March 7, 2018 at 9:22 PM
Like you say in summation, take steps! A nice array of kindly acts in your poem! Nicely done, my friend!
Bauer Avatar
March 7, 2018 at 2:55 PM
this is wonderful advice, andrea, told through simple yet amazing examples. if only more people would act in such a manner!
Pandit Avatar
March 7, 2018 at 11:07 AM
You captured the essence of kindness through your words.. describing everyday acts of humanity..best for a win, Andrea.
Cunningham Avatar
March 7, 2018 at 10:29 AM
Beautiful verse Andrea, and yes them people are out there, makes the world a better place. Good luck. Tom
Manassian Avatar
March 7, 2018 at 10:15 AM
Andrea...you always amaze me with your take on themes. This is so beautiful, my dear. I will fav it. What an encouraging piece. I'm glad I got this boost tonight. Hugs
Horn Avatar
March 7, 2018 at 9:12 AM
So many great ideas, thoughts and suggestions. I was repeatedly for Hillary and others were for Trump. I kept my mouth shut and now they are suffering their own consequences,
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