Contagion

Contagion 

Kind words easing out 
may not be met
yet I must stay with them
compassion is needed

I signal a lane change
driver flips me the finger
Young woman trips over 
my cane—only careless
but catch myself wanting 
to chastise
yet the rash of cruel news
insists on more

I release a contagion,
aim for steadier kindness 
hola not hello
to the doctor herself

Reach to open a door
for a portly man
and his Dachshund
miss the handle
meet the eye of a teen
she nods, smiles
and grabs it in time