The Joy of Giving

The Joy of Giving
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It was when pomegranates were abloom
In the enchanted Idra's land
When the air was heady and scented
And nature was touched with a magic wand.

Rain washed, gnarled olive trees stood
As the proud icons of Greek glory
Asserting history to the bedazzled
In myths and heroic stories.

Searching for ivy wrapped ruins
I was lost in this land steeped in history
Amidst stones of bygone era vying
Anxious to tell their part of the story.

When I realized my search was futile
I espied a woman bent with age
Sitting and muttering in front of her hut
In basket weaving engaged.

Seeing that I was lost and weary
She beckoned and nodded her head
And brought me fruits, milk and honey
Though my queries she did not comprehend.

She gazed at me with wonderment
And watched me eat my fill
While my eyes misted by this attention
She smiled with an unconcealed thrill.

The quest for the temple was set aside
I was touched by this grand display
Of hospitality in all its grandeur
To a stranger she didn't know till that day.

Should human kindness be measured
By the largesse that one bestows?
Or by helping the destitute poor?
Or by taking holy vows?

Or is it an innate nature that permeates
The kindly, giving soul
Which reveals godliness in true glory
Without the giver thinking it is a virtuous goal?

~ Krishna ~

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