Compassion Unbidden

Another noisy neighbor?! Was hoping for change for the better.
TV blaring in the backyard all hours, a constant babble shattering peaceful quiet.

Wait and hope? Confront and demand? Gift of headphones?
Or perhaps just my own derisive scorn for one so meaninglessly distracted.

And then, the phone call overheard:

The doctors. The conditions. Insurance problems.
On top of that, Zoloft too?
My poor, sick, depressed …new neighbor.

I’d rather hate, demand my rights.
But here you are with troubles aplenty.
Me, so blessed, so available….

No! I want no new charge to care for, to pray for, to feel for.
Turn down your TV and let me ignore you in peace!

And then, the words come to mind:

...of Samaritans serving
...of doing unto the least
...of prodigals received.

No, I’d rather not.
But I must, no?
Compassion received, grace and blessing aplenty.

My poor, wretched, selfish soul.