Conduct inappropriate, ungracious,
out of place
has a knack of coming back
to slap us in the face.

Such occasion did, last week,
present itself, although,
it took time to get it. I'm
adept at being slow.

'member when I asked you if
my mailing, you'd received?
Yes, it had. And I was glad
and therefore felt relieved.

...'twasn't mentioned thus, at all.
So, certain I was not,
if it'd been forgotten, then.
Or it, you hadn't got.

Though I felt quite pleased with your
reply, which I'd induced.
Ardent praise, in many ways,
I'd hoped would be produced

with no need for prodding words;
for, why should one suppress
gratitude? Seemed rather rude
t'not state huge gratefulness!

These conclusions, for a reason,
surely there, were put.
I soon knew that now the shoe
was on the other foot!
But, no doubt, some worth it had.
It sure reminded me...
it feels nice--take my advice--
when warmly thanked, are we!

I don't seek to spur applause;
I need not, it coerce.
I'm well tipped when I have shipped
to you, my deep-felt verse.

But through this small episode,
I did more recognize
our need, yes, for gratefulness
is good to re-al-ize.

It was many months ago but how it's fresh and clear; mail for me, so frequently was heartfelt and sincere.

(One of the many cards she sent me)

To express my gratefulness,
I much more should have strived.
As oft you still needed to
ask, "had it yet arrived?"

When a caring gesture is
presented, why then wait?
When life's good, enjoy we should;
but, too, appreciate!
Therefore, thanks for all you gave.
I wish that more I'd shown
at the time. Aware, now, I'm
to ways which I was prone.

Sometimes, though, there's wisdom gained
when tables have been turned.
Only hence, can things make sense
and lessons then be learned.