The Gift of a Stranger

By Sky of Waters

Never taken from a person, replenished by a friend;

This gracious act enlarges to stretch from end to end.

Before we ever know it, it’s bigger than the land.

Intangible, yet large it is the greatest gift of all.

This gift is only given by a stranger, least of all.

He was going to a meeting, as the story goes.

I saw his state of hurrying, then I dipped my nose.

But, he stopped there beside me, and made a gift so grand;

Spectators stared in awe, at what he held in his hand.

The friendship of a stranger; not one could understand.

There, I sat in a gutter, but I had something grand.

‘Twas something I never held before, sitting in my hand.

It helped me finally, once again to stand.

By my side, a helping hand to aid me when I fall,

This gift is only given by a stranger, least of all.

A year had passed before the stranger went another way.

I remarked “Unfortunately, My path strays away.”

“I’ll see you at the meeting.” he said, as the crowd pulled him away.

I lulled along heartbroken, when a thought popped in my head

“Maybe, it feels greater to give this gift, than merely have instead.”

This gift’s only given of a stranger, so I must lend a hand.

As I went on my journey, I saw one person to the side.

This person looked distressed, with a slow and longing stride.

I was right about the gift, as I gave it, I felt great.

Now, as I help, someone to stand, this feeling is so great.

I’m the giving person; a stranger, least of all.

As most gifts, it will not last; enjoy it while you can.

Then evolve to give another stranded man a hand.

When at that great meeting he asks, “What item helped the most?”

I hope someone will mention a stranger’s gift, most of all.