Paper Snails

I draw snails on bits of paper and leave them for my friend to find
its an unconnected hug
a cheering up tool
a way to say hi
I know you
when you aren’t there
I’m not sure how it started but snails are one of the two things I can draw
that and spiders with shoes and a jaunty top hat that children seem to like (only the very small ones)
ask random people what an act of love is and most will answer sex
or recount some heroic sacrifice
that’s not wrong there is no greater love etc…
but unnoticed actions have their depth and worth
like agates on a beach they are there to collect if you search for them
and I would wish that for you my friend
I would wish an open heart and open eyes to see that going to a job you do not like
saving the ends of bread for birds
not pushing past the elderly to get on the bus first
listening without planning a reply
not hitting
can be small shining acts and I would also wish your life be peppered with them
overflow with them and
be noticed, be counted, become acts that matter
and you are moved
feel sure of yourself enough
feel enough
to offer someone your own
and someday
clearing out closet a bag may be pulled down from the back of the highest shelf and a
shower of 1000 paper snails will float down
and you will smile…

©jayetomas2014