many indulge their dark side
I prefer light and bright
few are all black or white
tending to melt with softness
for those loved and close
or others similar to us
yet harden our heart
to the unknown, those set apart
too tight to give them a start
staying tender loving and open
brings growth and real purpose
don’t let bigotry even surface
it is grounded in arrogance
fear and insecurity
has no base for humanity
gentleness enables learning
helps for wiser discerning
halts harmful yearning
so rather than harden
I choose to be tender
warmly embracing all
aroused 
beautiful……..we need so much more love.
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the more we give out the more comes back, it’s a never ending cycle 🙂
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Very warm and comforting ❤️
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Beautifully composed 👍👍
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Lovely! Wondering when we can embrace all… 🤗
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Yes. This is what we all need to embrace.
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Lovely sentiments. Lovely poem.
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I chose that, with you, Kate.
This poem is so important, timely, wise, heart-touching…and beautifully written. The tears are flowing.
(((HUGS)))
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A beautiful poem filled with a calming wisdom.
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I’m a gentle softie…..
A little bit dotty
Love’s a cake and coffee
Chat with anybody
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lol a perfect description of you Ivor, love it!
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Beautiful
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Aww! How I love this, sis! It epitomizes who you are. ❤️
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Yes, gentleness and tenderness for the win! Those with hardened hearts are stone that are not living.
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We need more of that in the world, Kate.
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Fantastic and yes rather than harden would love to be tender and loving. Awesome flower to match your lovely poem.
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💕🕯✨💕🕯✨💕🕯✨
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Lovely sentiments!
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I love this version – soft, clear and pristine
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The world would be a better place with tenderness and empathy. Lovely poem.
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Why yes, Kate, a worthy reminder. Amidst so many restrictions, so much angst, controversy and sharp-edged worry, we all would benefit from a satiny softness. We don’t just exist, but we live. Gentleness pillows the rigid frame.
Balance makes all things possible. Thus, some structure – call it “firmness” if you will – helps us withstand the storm. It also keeps us upright and growing toward the sun.
Yet, as you observe, without a beneficial softness and flexibility we become brittle and snap, And that doesn’t do anyone any good.
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May we all follow this wise advice, Kate!
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thanks so much Ann, we all need a softness right now and imagine our world if we could all love as unconditionally as you do your grandson 🙂
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Exactly! People will always annoy us and “rub us the wrong way.” But with unconditional love comes forgiveness and understanding. That is the way forward, and that is my religion!
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We all need to be like this. 😉
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Lovely thoughts. It amazes me how adaptable we appear to be. Everyday some new challenge causes us to stretch and grow. Hard hearts will restrict our progress. Open minds and kindness are crucial right now. Thanks Kate.
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“I choose to be tender
warmly embracing all”
… i love this…its just disappointing some chose differently. But with your thoughts, our thoughts, i hope others will follow too.
Yes to gentleness Kate.😊
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Always strive to know both sides of any story… (especially news)
There is absolutely no excuse to react violently to violence.
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Wonderful advice, if we all learn the importance.
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if only Rupali 🙂
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