such little things move mountains

day in and day out is living

raindrops slide mountain-sides into scree

tender shoots push upward through soil as plant starts

root fingers lift concrete walkways

a snide word leads to blood feud

a thoughtless snub to sadness

bitter labels and recriminations to a child’s loss of self-worth

an unexpected compliment produces a smile at being recognized

a word of praise can change a day toward kindness