Kindness

Sometimes it is hard to be kind… 
especially if the effort’s rejected
when based on pride
or in expectation of praise; 

something defined as gracious, 
clearly a gift
for which recompense
is not required

and is not grudged
or afterward sadly regretted
if it isn’t received with thanks.
or some expression of submission.
 
Yet to be kind is always a chance.
You may find your gift
received, also resented…
even if it has been requested,
may not be repaid.

More treacherous are loans of money
which legally require repayment. 
There is a chance 

legal action may be needed 
even when a loan was made 
in kindness and at personal cost.

Being gracious is a part of kindness:
the ability to respond with grace 
though the gift is not graciously received,
but turns out a scam
and you are left holding the bag. 

That may be the cost of kindness,
but, after all, 
we all, at times, receive kindness 
that bears no cost.

Thus, should unpaid costs be treated
as already paid.