There is a strange idea

that to rise,
someone else must fall.

That kindness is weakness.
That compassion costs too much.
That difference is something
to fear.

But look closer.

The world has never been changed
by those who built higher walls.

It changes
every time someone says,
“Come in.”

Do more.

Not for applause,
not for likes,
not because your name will be remembered.

Do more because somewhere
a tired soul is carrying
far more than you can see.

Be kinder.

Everyone is fighting battles
behind careful smiles
and ordinary conversations.

Respect everyone.

The cleaner.
The stranger.
The refugee.
The neighbour.
The person who disagrees with you.
The person who looks nothing like you.

Human dignity
should never be selective.

We are all temporary travellers,
brief sparks beneath the same sky.

So leave gentleness in your wake.

Hold doors.
Share laughter.
Speak softly.
Stand firmly against cruelty.

And when history asks
what we did with our little piece of time,

let the answer be:

We made it kinder.

JH