You said that you hope I aren’t this nice all the time.

That if I am, people might take advantage of my kindness.

I say that I hope I am.

I hope that I am as kind and patient to a lost child,

as I am to the spider descending onto my shoulder.

I hope that I am as warm and welcoming as a hearth,

as I wrap my body around my grieving friend.

I hope that I always reach out my hand,

and grasp onto yours firmly and gently.

And I hope,

that when I forget to be kind to myself,

a little bit of the love I give the world

finds its way back to me, to forgive me,

and give me hope.

Written by Jou Hatsu