grace

We do not give thanks 

in this country 

for small kindness.

The man who points me in 

the right direction 

has returned to his tasks

before he has finished speaking 

just as I have turned

in the direction of his pointing hand.

On the train

the woman who steps on my foot

puts out a silent hand

to touch me 

before raising it to her lips 

to her forehead. 

You may take for granted

that you are owed generosity

as you, too, 

owe it to others.

Not all that is done

must be noted.

Ours is an economy 

of unspoken grace.