A single mother
With four kids -
And four jobs -
Forgets her sorrows when her son scores a goal
And puts on a smile-
A congratulatory smile.
A substitute teacher
Ridiculed by countless kids,
Obnoxious kids,
Leaves a note saying the kids behaved.
A friend who listens
When she’s heard it all before
The same scenarios – “We got in a fight”
The same people – “I was crying all night”
But the same compassion
As the first time they fought.
An unexpected hero -
A friend in an enemy, changed.
When a girl who spread rumors about you
Extends a helping hand-
Comfort in an uncomfortable source
And suddenly everything has
Changed.
A mother,
A substitute,
A friend.

You’re on the highway
Rushing to the hospital
When someone cuts you off and you-
Swerve…
Your tire goes flat
Devastation and panic.
You buy a new sweater
And wear it to school with a beam
“What’s that?” a “friend” questions
Self-conscious, nail biting.
You get upset and turn
To a friend for comfort
They brush you off-
Grief, anxiety.

People can be – are – selfish.
But when you’re the one getting hurt
It’s all for the worse

It’s a person with a big load
Who doesn’t manifest it or
Dump it on you for relief

What a superpower.