The earth remains in orbit
      While we all hang on and spin,
      For everything that goes around
      Must come around again.

      A smile, a friendly gesture,
      Simple acts of kindness shown --
      Such things cannot be hoarded,
      They are placed with us on loan.

      And so it is with hurtful words,
      They don't just disappear --
      They roam the whole world over
      Seeking out their sender's ear.

      Another time, another life,
      Our former selves we meet
      With clouded recognition
      When the circle is complete.

      Though some retreat in panic,
      Others face it with a grin,
      When everything that goes around
      Comes back around again.

           ____________________
Copyright© Mary Sullivan
(All rights reserved.  Published here by permission)