Kindness By Naomi Shihab Nye

This poem is about discovering the true meaning of kindness through life’s experiences — especially the painful ones. It reminds you that real compassion often grows from loss, grief, and the moments when your heart has been broken open. It's about understanding that empathy isn’t performing it's more something you become through what you’ve lived. It teaches that when you’ve known sorrow deeply, your kindness expands naturally, reaching others with gentleness, patience, and genuine care.