Elizabeth Wadsworth Ellis
Gentle is
Gentle is not kicking the copier machine.
Gentle is not cursing out the airline or the baggage handler who lost your luggage.
Gentle is turning off the burner down before the eggs stick.
Gentle is getting up because she whispered I heard someone downstairs.
Gentle is letting the dog out for the umpteenth time.
Gentle is soft warm clothes fresh out of the clothes dryer.
Gentle is not yelling at your son's report card, What's with the C-?
Gentle is smiling –even when someone left the seat up.
Gentle is not yelling at the television. when the star athlete messes up.
Gentle is not punching your alarm clock.
Gentle is the cat rubbing your leg.
Gentle is emptying the recycling bin before the truck arrives.
Gentle is standing at the window quietly watching the sun set.
Gentle is a falling tear.
Bio
Elizabeth's work is published in Literary Review