Every now and then, we are met with kind gestures
when a stranger offers a hand of help
and a dog guards you through a trail
through the smile of familiarity a shopkeeper throws
while another helps him pick the fallen tomatoes
in the words of wisdom your father utters
as they move to make some space in a crowded train
Or when an old friend shows up on your door
so you can pick up the broken pieces together
and your neighbour provides the delivery boy
a glass of water to quench his thirst
and your sibling takes the blame
for a crime you committed
as the co-employee covers a shift for you
to give you an enjoyable birthday
in the glances of reassurance
and the comfortable silences
your lover appreciates
and your people listen keenly
to the same story the 100th time
sometimes I wonder if all these
kind gestures are what
connects and holds us together
as we joyfully participate
in the sorrows of the world