Little Things

It's the little things, they say, that
build relationships, the thoughtfulness
communicated endless ways from
day to day that says, This person,
you can trust. He'll stick. She'll stay.
The love will grow.

But what of little things quite
opposite? Relentless, minor,
irritating evidence of selfishness
that stains the atmosphere and
leaves a bitter taste, a whiff of
milk gone sour. Do they not tell us
something, too, but what?

Little things become such big
things over time. Enough of those
we love will overcome the things we don't;
the edges of our being can relax
the way of rumpled sheets when smoothed
by grateful hands each morning.

But it doesn't always
happen quite like that.



(c) Ellen Gillette, 2015