Kindness

after an adult education creative writing class, Beverley, 09/09/03

A slight smile,

A vague twist of the lips,

A mumbled “hello”

And a quick dash to the back room.

You trembled there in the corner.

You looked visibly sick.

You stuttered and you stammered,

You laughed for no reason,

And then slumped down in your seat.

And they looked at you

And no one laughed,

No one sneered,

No one pitied you.

They just smiled.

Said they were glad to have you on board.

Said they remembered how it felt

The first time they came through the door.

Said, without saying a word,

That you were OK.

And then you smiled, shyly,

And then giggled,

Then giggled some more.

And then you thanked them

And stopped looking down at the floor.