A Rare World

I asked my friends

what was rare to them

and the answers freely flowed

Common sense said one

for the world has none

let’s bring it back to the fold

The others chimed in

oh where to begin

their answers were harsh and bold

Modesty and manners

respect and true love

compassion has grown cold

Family values, work ethic

empathy and friendship

they longed for days of old

My heart was torn

at their answers forlorn

their story clearly told

How my friends viewed the world

through a lens of despair

their anguish plainly showed

These were not the answers

I’d expected to hear

now they lay raw and exposed

I thought all day

I wanted a way

to lighten their heart’s heavy load

How for my friends

could I make amends

and leave them feeling consoled

Friends, said I

your answers are wry

you are stuck in a despairing mode

How in this now

might I lift you up

so happiness may take hold

You need to see

that which could be

if your sight was opened, not closed

So, take that which is rare

make it common, if you dare

make this world a treasure to behold

Flood this place with your love

like that up above

let your heart sing of wonders extolled