Generosity

Sometimes it’s a bummer,
Being on the receiving side of a gift.
Makes you question your own recent actions,
As you list them against everyone else’s.
It doesn’t detract from the good you do,
Or did.
And someone else’s kindness,
Shouldn’t be something that makes a man,
Feel guilty, pathetic, or poor.
But it does.
From time to time,
A negative thought or emotion,
Sneaks its way in,
And corrals the positive action,
That was done just for you,
Into a pig-pen,
Of filthy self-hate.
Makes you want to do something,
Not out of the goodness of your heart,
But to make things even.
When it shouldn’t be about even.
‘Cause life’s not fair.
There is no even Steven.
There is no shame in saying “Thanks,”
When someone just wants to show you they care.
So why does it feel so strange,
Now and then?
Why is saying thank you,
Smiling warmly,
Shaking hands politely,
A thing to dwell on even for a moment?
It’s almost as if,
Someone along the line,
Trying to be kind,
Gave us a gift,
Said it was for us to use,
And didn’t know that the packaging,
Was all just emotional baggage.
Samsonite’s Guilty Line.
Comes in all black,
Or leopard Print,
With a lifetime warranty,
Good for birthdays,
Holidays,
Dinner with family,
And Saturday road trips after a friends big pay day.
Oh well,
Can’t seem to shake it,
Guess I’ll just say thanks.
So…
Thanks.