We would like to thank everyone who took the time to submit a nomination for our Kindness Poetry Competition. We're excited to announce the winners for the staff and student categories - congratulations to:
Staff 1st Place: Vasilios Stouraitis
Staff 2nd Place: C Nurbhai
Student 1st Place Winner: Jennie Webster
Student 2nd Place Winner: David Alfred Grimm
All poems are listed below, and are also being shared over the next week on the GCU Wellbeing Facebook (@GCUWellbeing).
Dr. Vasilios Stouraitis
Kindness
Kindness is a force that stems from the heart
No matter the odds, this feeling will never part
Compassion and understanding rise in this new mysterious age
Love takes over and hate abandons the stage
We dreamt of a time when kindness would unite
A time when we could distinguish wrong from right
Kindness is an energy that dictates our role
It is a decision to become whole
Being kind is a reward that will never cease
It is the road to inner peace
Recognizing what binds us together
Understanding we will not be here forever
Through Kindness, our fellow man extends a hand
We reach out, as our fears disappear like sand
In our hearts we know we can change the future
Our hopes rise from our hearts like a potent creature
We suddenly realise kindness is the key to destiny
We extend our reach to touch this mesmerizing eternity
Visions of a new world of kindness gradually arise
It is time to realize, in this quest, there are no alibis
Dr. Vasilios Stouraitis
C. Nurbhai
What is kindness?
Kindness is a state of mind,
in everything you do be kind.
Kindness is exchanging smiles,
then happiness can travel miles.
Kindness is simply thinking of others;
strangers, neighbours, family, mothers.
Kindness is listening and being aware,
letting people know you’re there and care.
Kindness is giving a bit of your time,
and it doesn’t have to cost a dime.
Kindness is giving a great big cuddle,
and helping someone out of their muddle.
Kindness is really fairly easy,
just be genuine, don’t make people queasy.
Kindness is something you can always bring,
kindness is a wonderful thing.
Jennie Webster:
Helping other people and being ever so kind,
is good for the body and for the mind.
Manners cost nothing and kindness is free,
a lift to the mood some kindness can be.
Being kind to one another helps people to stay
healthy and happy during the month of May.
All year round it is possible to be kind,
keeping people healthy in both body and in mind.
Look out for each other and keep an eye on your peers,
we need to stick together across all of the years.
Kindness is under-rated and can make someone smile
Caledonian has more kindness than ever by a country mile.
At GCU we all care as we share
talking about what matters, as much as we dare.
So put kindness and being kind at the front of your mind
and if you see someone struggling, remember to be kind.
David Alfred Grimm
Kindness
Many people think it’s simply a word
A notion, a dream.
When we think of kindness what do we see?
Friendship and tenderness, hopeful eyes and people that smile.
Shoulders built for spilt tears, with people that stay, in your darkest of times.
Kindness isn’t just a word or a notion, kindness is a way of life,
some it flows like breath, for others they have to dig hard Inside their souls to bring it forward. You can bet they still will.
Its worth the work as in time you’ll be kind to them when they don’t realise, they need it most.
Kindness speaks without words or sound,
contagious like the yawn that spreads without notice, kindness is a gift from all, for all, that brings a smile to the hardest of souls.
Whether you’re –
emotional,
closed off,
hyper ecstatic,
kindness brings joy in the least seeming of places.
To be shown a kindness is a gesture dripping in layers and layers of Beauty. it will linger a lifetime, bringing smiles to strangers as you smile at the memory of a kindness gone by.
Normalise kind deeds in the eyes of those that doubt,
Be kind to you, be kind to me and all of the others will see the beauty
and smile In the time it takes for your heart to skip and beat.
Hau Yin Tsang
In every day and with each night,
Focus on your heart.
Show gratitude and live life kind,
A smile is a great start.
Phone a friend, send a card
Paint a rainbow, clap to say thank you
Be kind with an open heart,
Share it and you will be rewarded too.
Melanie Armstrong
Petals of kindness,
Floating gently around us,
Perfuming and sensing our lives,
As up to the challenges we rise.
Bathed in lightness,
As we are showered with kindness,
Onwards we go,
Fast or slow,
Living our days,
As we pray for new ways.
Emerging stronger,
and resilient for longer.
Kindness counts for so much in our world.
