Jamaica 2014, Day 16 – A Poem

it was as if selflessness took human form
or was a virus that spread from the hair
follicles to the soles of your feet
a spirit in which few are wrapped up in
and even fewer both embody and understand
kindness was her superpower
service was his heartbeat
the more they both helped other people, the stronger they got
because with each day
each conversation
each delicious meal
each sweet mango
each moment dedicated to another
they could feel the love and gratitude of those they served
an exchange of smiles was an ideal powersource
each cultural exchange was a powerful stride along the path to righteousness, 
happiness and contentment
so as we turn away from each other physically
and our emotional and spiritual connection stretches past mountains, across seas 
and through entire societies
may the strength we provide each other
fuel the remainder of this journey
may the sun not beat on your head but guide your way and keep you warm in place 
of the love we've shared
and may the moon surround you in its wondrous glow and protect you from the 
night
may each cloud roll in the direction of the path you tread
as you remember the youth you've led
may every tree provide shade and fruit
and every stream water to quench in times of hardships
but most importantly,
may our paths cross once again
may we once again learn together and serve each other.


Jadian, 16, School Without Walls