Choice

The world is loud
Cruel realities make the headlines,
Yet the responses?
Muted,
as if despair were a destination
we’d quietly agreed to reach.

People say,
“What can I even do?”
as if kindness requires clearance.
As if good must be grand
to be real.

But I’ve seen a smile
soften a border
between two strangers passing.
Heard a voice speak truth
in a conversation
that begged for silence.
Watched a tired body
show up anyway.

This is not about
quitting your job
or crossing the mountain.

This is about
not pretending
you are powerless.

It is a choice
to meet the world’s weight
with even a gram
of grace.

And it matters.

Even if
no one writes about it.
Even if
no one but you sees.