Melissa Barker-Simpson

“No one has ever become poor by giving.”
― Anne Frank, diary of Anne Frank

Peter Cheater, web-slinger of dishonesty
suffered from kindness poverty
He lied, stole, cajoled oodles, kits, caboodles
from humans, to butterflies to labradoodles

Penelope had the world on a string
Thunderstruck, Peter’s ‘petered out’ heart began singing
Penelope received more by giving
without expectation or misgivings

Shamed by ill-gotten gains
Peter harangued a self-blame campaign

“Begin with self-forgiveness,
redemption, compassion. Be fearless!”

Bemused by his new muse’s request
Peter returned hijacked bling from his nest

Of name-calling, he’s deserving
but was unprepared for the joy of serving
Peter discovered the treasure of giving.
His hollow brick heart brimmed with living!

When I saw the pleasantly puffed plumage and toes wrapped around wires up high. I smiled. I though it would be uncomfortable. The happy bird stayed there for hours enjoying the water views.

Watching dozens of Pelis rush for food…