Reciprocate
Reciprocate, 4 syllables
A word that means “give back”
“Respond,” “return,” “reply,” “repay”
But one must have the knack
Of recognizing when one does
A favor unto you
And not just ones that cost a lot
But ones that cost a few
A couple seconds of your time
A few moments of thought
Don’t let someone’s kindness be
A gesture all of naught
Amplify the good that others
Take the time to show
When someone greets you, take a sec
To tell them back “Hello”
If someone spreads their joy and smiles
Then take your scowled frown
Reflect the warmth that they’ve shown you
And turn it upside down
If a person waves to you
It wouldn’t kill you if
You waved your hand right back at them
And not be such a stiff
And don’t just think the gesture must be
Paid back right away
Favors can be put in storage
For another day
Just don’t forget to pop the lock
And pull it out for use
A friendly gesture never given
Makes you seem obtuse
Yes, it’s nice to have people
Do thoughtful things for you
But kindness is a fountain whose
Supply you must renew
You can’t just take and take from it
One day it will run dry
Contribute to its selfless flow
Or kiss that spring goodbye
With seven billion people on
This planet that we live
The universal way to show
We care is when we give
So show some gratitude whenever
Someone does you right
Reciprocating has not once
Been shown to cause you plight
Don’t just be about yourself
And all that you can gain
Don’t sit still and watch as others
Give while you abstain
Reflect their grace and soon you’ll see
That others will in kind
Nothing’s as encouraging
As selflessness combined
~Miro
