Every deed, good or bad
Big or small
Starts a ripple

It moves across life's surface
Touching others in waves we cannot see
And those touched, in turn, start a ripple 
That continues and spreads
And these circling rings 
Expand across the surface of life
To return 
Like a gentle wake
Or a tidal wave 
Depending on choices made
Or the number of deeds done

An act of compassion 
Will reap mercy 
A giving hand 
Will be filled in times of need 

Just as easily 
Cruel words and maliciousness
Greed and spite
Return like a tsunami 
To drown the heartless 
And the brutal 
With waves seeded
In animosity 

Reach out to the saddened soul
Befriend the lonely 
Give all you have and all you are 
And your seeds of empathy and goodwill 
Will return
You will never be in dire need
All you require will be provided 
In ripples. 

by Amanda Burns 

 

 

© Amanda Saylor nee Burns. All rights reserved,