When you thought i wasn't looking

by Mary Rita Schilke Korzan

When you thought I wasn’t looking
You hung my first painting on the refrigerator
And I wanted to paint another.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
You fed a stray cat
And I thought it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
You baked a birthday cake just for me
And I knew that little things were special things.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
You said a prayer
And I believed there was a God that I could always talk to.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
You kissed me good-night
And I felt loved.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
I saw tears come from your eyes
And I learned that sometimes things hurt—
But that it’s alright to cry.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
You smiled
And it made me want to look that pretty too.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
You cared
And I wanted to be everything I could be.

When you thought I wasn’t looking—
I looked . . .
And wanted to say thanks
For all those things you did
When you thought I wasn’t looking.

I chanced upon this poem while i was on Poelo Coelho's blog and it reminds me of a few people in my life i love. Have you ever watched a loved one do something and suddenly everything seems to happen in slow motion and you feel overwhelmed by all kinds of emotions all at once?

Because i have.
I've watched the intent in my grandmother in doing things she has set her mind to. It gives me that same drive.
I've watched the joy in my aunt's face as she looks up to the sky, sits on a swing, talk to children and so much more. It has taught me to love her and all the things she love.
I've watched as my parents try and try to swallow their pride. It wrecks me and reminds me of what humility is like.
I've watched a special friend make every move with silent resilience. It tells me to do the same and i'm amazed at how i can see myself so closely in another person.
I've watched the look of acceptance of a friend. It tells me that no matter what i become and do, it doesn't change who i am.
I've watched the look of appreciation, the grimace of disappointment, the joy of being accepted and so much more.

They happen so suddenly most of the time and so briefly. But these are the moments they thought i weren't looking and here's to these sort of moments, which reminds us to just keep carrying on.