There's Just So Much We Can Give

Her body was still alive, but it seemed that her soul was long gone.

2 pieces of cardboard box, on each of her sides, served as a bed, for each of her kids.

Most of the people passing by saw her,
but nobody looked.

It felt like even begging became too exhausting for this woman.

After giving her some food, and water,
I sat down and talked to her.

She was mixing Balinese and Bahasa, so I couldn’t understand all of her story.

But I listened.
And I smiled.

I gave her my attention.

And in the end, she smiled again.

I know..

It was just a bit of food,
and a bit of conversation.

I know it won’t change her life.
And I know she’s not the only one.

But this small action, at this very moment, mattered, more than going back home.

It’s not because it’s small, and cost nothing,
that it doesn’t matter.

A smile,
a hug,
or a talk.

There is so much we can give that doesn’t cost us, yet means a lot to others.