‘Three Things in Human Life are Important’

Author’s Note: I made an error in the ‘Kindness Acrostic” poem that was published in these pages a few weeks ago. It was spelled incorrectly and submitted missing a line. I have corrected it and added a little for Valentine’s Day. I have also revised my sonnet on “kindness” with a new title, quotation, and some commentary.

In a letter to his nephew William, who wrote him to find out the answers to life and how to live it, Henry James (1843 -1916) wrote a letter which began: “My Dear One, I have your letter and here is my answer: Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.”

Six of one kind half a dozen kindness of another
a double dose of love and three run fun homer
coming from friends family sister and brother
Kindness from everyone somewhat of a misnomer  
it is a best friend of love and balm for sorrow
Kindness of being and being together as one
yesterday last night today and all day tomorrow
during and after typhoons in tropical rain and sun
many kinds of kindness exist physical and mental
the German language word for kindness is ‘friedlich’
Kindness can be experimental and developmental
New Zealanders practice kindness using Kiwi English
to paraphrase Gump ‘kindness is as kindness does’
from flower to honey kindness as worker bees buzz.

L.O.V.E. A.N.D. K.I.N.D.N.E.S.S. 
Dedicated to the prime minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern. From her interview in a new edition of 200 Women, Q. What really matters to you? A. Empathy and kindness, because that’s what can drive social change…” Q. Which single word do you most identify with? A. Kindness.

L – Leading virtues list
O – Outstanding characteristic overall
V – Valentine’s Day delightful specialty
E – Encompassing Elusive Enraptured
A – Antidote for hatred and anger
N – Necessary for life
D – Despair and depression are lessened by it
K – Kindness
I  – In every decision we make
N – Nicety and benevolence with firm intent
D – Demonstrated daily
N – Need for the whole world
E – Energy and strength of will to do it
S – Sense of awareness of others, community, environment
S – Sense of self giving and sharing

Some current books for adults on kindness: How to Raise Kind Kids and Get Respect, Gratitude, and a Happier Family in the Bargain, by Thomas Lickona; When Action Follows Heart: 365 Ways to Share Kindness by Susan Spencer; Leading with Kindness: How Good People Consistently Get Superior Results by William Baker and Michael O’Malley.

February Acrostic Felicity

F – February finds cards and chocolate flavored flowers
E – Everyone has heart matters on their mind
B – Beyond Cupid’s bow beaucoup arrows fall
R – Right into the lovely heart of the matter
U – Understanding love, understanding with feeling
A – All my love, all my loving, all for others
R – Remembrance, Reality, Romance Rejuvenated
Y – You learn there were many Saint Valentines