The Kindness of Strangers

This is a poem I wrote a while back:

The Kindness of Strangers

Of all we are taught as children, one of the first edicts of venturing out into the unknown world is to “not talk to strangers”,

We learn to regard them with deep suspicion, to observe with an unmoving eye,

As if by doing so, we are making strides in our own self-preservation.

Then as we grow, we find ourselves spending more time with so-called strangers,

Rather than with those who through blood are linked to us.

And with the passage of time, strangers are no longer strangers,

They become friends, lovers, teachers, and family.

As our hair grays and our bodies weaken,

We realize that those who were once upon a time strangers

Have become an integral part of our own lives.

And through our time together, through shared laughter and tears,

There are only friends, lovers, teachers and family.