The most important quality of all

When I was younger
I was always impressed by people
who were smarter than me
or could speak 3 or 4 languages
who attended Ivy League colleges
and who dressed immaculately.
It was not until I was truly on my own
that I came to find that the most important
quality of all was kindness.
I felt kindness in hugging
the coffee shop worker on the street
when I could see he had a hard day.
I felt kindness when my past lover
shattered my heart
and I continued to cheer him on
from a distance, with nothing but
love and admiration him.
These seamlessly small gestures
have been integral to my being.
I try my best to be a kind
friend
daughter
sister
and co-worker.
Sometimes, even still
I put myself down for not being
as book smart as my brothers
or not speaking French as well
as my best friend
But then I remember
how much kindness
I give just about anyone
who I find kindness in
and I instantly feel better.