Another right thing to do

Along with all the inspiring, empowering things going on this last weekend, there has also been mockery of a child because a number of us despise his father. Children are especially vulnerable to words and mockery, despite the old 'sticks and stones' baloney we spin them. The bigger picture, for more than just Barron, is that you never know what someone else's journey is, you cannot know their thoughts or feelings, sometimes until it's too late; and so in line with my current mantra of 'Be Kind', here is a poem that I wrote last year when feeling particularly low. Please don't bring that child, or anyone else, to that point. Just be kind.

Finality

The final straw can be so very thin,

Can be so slight, perceptible as air,

That final thing that really does you in.

The pile of To Be Read books to your chin

Collapses heaplike, adding pamphlets where

The final straw can be so very thin.

A box of chocolates finished - not a sin,

At least at first, though afterwards you swear

The final toffee must have done you in.

A vodka shot, another glass of gin,

You feel okay till puking without care - 

The final straw can be so very thin.

A missing smile, anticipated grin

That could have saved the day, instead impairs,

Could be the thing that really does you in.

The spirit strives to bolster from within,

Struggles alone as friends stay unaware

Of final straws that are so very thin,

Those final things that really do you in.