I thanked the cleaner
in the hotel wash room
for her good work, and the pride
the staff showed in keeping a wonderful
establishment pristine.
As I left the room
a lady following me said,
“That was very kind of you,
cleaners don’t hear that often enough.”
But she did not
say thank you
herself.
Shawn L. Bird 
People learn as they experience. Positive or otherwise! Thanks for the reminder.
Odd moment.
I like to believe that the fact of her noticing the exchange will one day cause her to do the same. Sewing seeds Shawn, you are brilliant at that.
I hope she does, too.
That attitude comes up such a lot these days. Is it classic fence sitter behavior?
I wonder if she didn’t want to do it because I had done it, and it wouldn’t seem sincere?
oh yes. Been there! Very good!
Thank you.
Reblogged this on dithyrambs & ditties.
you are passing it on Shawn… you never know how you may brighten someone’s day… I knew you were a kindred spirit…!
I figure everyone likes to know that their efforts are appreciated. It’s a simple thing to say thank you.
Pithy! A lovely poem.
Thank you for your kindness, Shawn, and for reminding us all that what can be a simple gesture that takes only a minute can mean the world to others.
I think she did appreciate your words, but think of it this way — do you need someone to say thanks for saying thanks? Seems to lessen the meaning of the word if you expect the same in exchange.
She didn’t thank the worker. She was all praiseworthy for me thanking the worker, but didn’t thank her. That is the profound thing. Who cares what she said to me. If she thought it was so good for me to appreciate the worker, why didn’t she say thank you herself?
Sorry about that. I misread your poem.
No worries.
can you give me email. because l want to share make good poem? please
My advice is to notice little things and to write about them honestly. Cut out extra words. Find comparisons that are unexpected. Write, write, write.
Shawn, you boiled a ton of good advice down to a few words. Well said. Enjoying your work. Sue
Womenlivinglifeafter50.com
Less is more, right? 🙂
Right! Happy Thanksgiving Sue
Womenlivinglifeafter50.com
We had our Thanksgiving in Canada six weeks ago, but best wishes to you! 🙂