I heard a Mourning Dove again this morning
The sound came out of nowhere soft and low.
It filled my heart with sadness deep and painful
And as I listened my tears began to flow.

Tears filled with much regret and sorrow
For all the years that I have let pass me by.
Now I sit and listen to the sound of sadness
And realize at last the reason that I cry.

So many things I could have done so different
And all the many times I simply looked away.
Instead of reaching out a helpful hand to others
Or all the kind words that I didn't say.

Just a simple little smile or gesture
To someone who was desperately in need.
Might have brought a hopeful ray of sunshine
If I had only performed this little deed.

I saw a lady once who stood softly crying
Because of circumstances beyond her control.
Yet I turned and walked away without speaking
Though I could see the sorrow in her soul.

There is so much that each of us can offer
If we just open our hearts and let our love flow.
Reaching out to someone who is aching
Could help more than anyone could know.

Now the Sound of Sadness deeply fills me
While the Mourning Dove softly calls out his refrain.
His message seems to say there still is time
For me to reach out to others who are in pain.

Betty Lindsey
February 8, 2009