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Return

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When comfort tricks us into answers shared
although there is no reason for the talk,
how better would it be to not have dared
to step along a no-return steep walk.

When fear has left us questions still unasked
although there is no call to hesitate,
how worse to reach for good and find unmasked
indifference that will not love or hate.

When thoughtless action brings unkind response
although intent was not to harm or hurt,
how much we need to swap our nonchalance
for diligence and keeping sharp alert.

Unpleasant are the lessons that return
when we from faults and failures fail to learn.

--- Robert Stone, 22 November 2009