Keep a heart beating

Some people are carrying
a sadness you cannot see.

They laugh.
They work.
They say, “I’m fine.”

But inside,
they are tired.

So be kind.

Send the message.
Make the call.
Smile at the stranger.
Listen a little longer.

You may never know
how close someone was
to giving up.

You may never know
that your small kindness
was the only kindness
they received that day.

The world is full of people
trying not to fall apart.

Be gentle with them.

Because sometimes,
a few kind words

can keep a heart beating
for one more day.