Kindness

by John L. Swainston

Walking down the circular path
to the vaulted room – Radiation
treatment soon.

Turning the corner, she looked up
smiling at me. She just finished her
treatment. Seven or eight, I think.

Snuggled in her arm, she carried a
Teddy Bear.
“Does that help?” I asked.
She smiled, “Yes.”

The next day walking the path
there he was, sitting on the hand
rail – her Teddy Bear.
“Oh no, look she forgot her bear.”

“No, she didn’t.”
I looked at my guide confused.
“No, she left him for you.”

My Dad always told me that:
real men do not cry.
But I did.

And yes, it helped.