This poem is written by Paulo Coelho, the Brazilian born writer and lyricist of international acclaim. He has written numerous books, but “The Alchemist” remains my all-time favorite. I imagine that this poem is written from the perspective of a child who looks to me for guidance as he/she grows to become a strong, loving, kind, and compassionate human being. Specifically, it brings to mind, my children, my g’children, nieces or nephews, or any person looking to me as a role model. As I read the poem, I am reminded that my actions do speak louder than our words. More importantly, however, the poem causes me to ponder the question, what negative message might I have conveyed, when I thought they were not looking? This is the poem’s message to me, and it has gotten my attention. I am listening. For now, all that I can say is thanks.
Blessings and love, lydia
P.S. You can check out Coelho’s blog here.
When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking by Paulo Coelho
When you thought I wasn’t looking
You hung my first painting on the refrigerator
And I wanted to paint another.
When you thought I wasn’t looking
You fed a stray cat
And I thought it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn’t looking
You baked a birthday cake just for me
And I knew that little things were special things.
When you thought I wasn’t looking
You said a prayer
And I believed there was a God that I could always talk to.
When you thought I wasn’t looking
You kissed me good-night
And I felt loved.
When you thought I wasn’t looking
I saw tears come from your eyes
And I learned that sometimes things hurt—
But that it’s alright to cry.
When you thought I wasn’t looking
You smiled
And it made me want to look that pretty too.
When you thought I wasn’t looking
You cared
And I wanted to be everything I could be.
When you thought I wasn’t looking—
I looked . . .
And wanted to say thanks
For all those things you did
When you thought I wasn’t looking.
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Candles spell out the traditional English birthday greeting (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
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