Courtesy Extended

Courtesy is no small thing
allowing us to bypass
unintended, even intended
slights of minor proportions.

It extends to others;
companions and intimates
neighbours and strangers
a glimpse of our very own
timidly hopeful humanity.

Bringing to ourselves
as well as to others the
ease and comfort of
kindly regard, a civil moment
in a tumultuous life.

Far finer the white flag
of humility than tendentious
suspicion, taking umbrage
where none was intended.
The result: peace, harmony.