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Aug 14
Did I encourage people enough?
Did I offer kindness when it would've been
easier to stay quiet or turn away?
Was I the kind of person who left others a little lighter,
a little more hopeful, a little more whole?
Did I help them feel seen—not just heard?
Did I lift others without needing credit,
without needing the spotlight?

I know I didn't always get it right.
I missed some chances.
I spoke too quickly at times.
Other times, I didn't speak at all.

But I tried.
I kept showing up.
I listened with care.
I adjusted.
I made amends.

And I hope—in my flawed, imperfect, human way—
I showed someone how to lead with courage and kindness.
How to hold others accountable while honoring their dignity.
How to be strong without losing softness.
How to be present, even when it was hard.
How to believe that our smallest actions still matter.

If even one person felt encouraged because of me…
if one soul walked away stronger…
then maybe that was enough.
Written by
Michelle H Velez Nieves  49/F/United States
(49/F/United States)   
101
   Blue Sapphire
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