We becoming callous, unfeeling creatures
Caring only for our daily schedule of things
Anything behind the borders blocked, silenced forever
Forgetting the intentions could accidentally or not hurt
The lame excuses emanating strong fish odor

How to fix this awful impasse
Back to the kindness, trust , the neighbor helping neighbor
Keys under mat, not be afraid someone will rob the house
Holiday gatherings of families and friends , sharing the food with stranger

The children not inviting elder parents for celebrations
Next door folks not checking on the woman, living by herself
So called family not returning phone calls, afraid to be asked
For money or the other kinda of help
Putting on headphones, listening to proverbial tune
Me, myself and I

by Margaret Gudkov
art by Elena Shlegel