what they can afford

a gentleness not seen in

those who feel they are large

too large to need to take turn

but able simply to bully

to get what they want

where those who are big

inside as well as out

can afford empathy

headlong into hellfire

gentle souls conquer without winning

testing further their compassion

toward their tormentors

deepening their humbleness

but heaping coals of fire on the heads

of those diving into the hellfire

of bitter littleness and loss

in memory of Virginia Heald

In memory of Virginia Heald

Haiku

gentle soul smiles welcome

bending to help without a word

but encouragement

                                    mjNordgren  2/16/2024 N