little but never petty

they dote on the big things--
loyalty, jealousy, priority,
and most of the time, insecurity

but what's left of the little ones

a kiss before work
an arm around the cold body before sleep
a simple "how are you doing?" when set apart
a text to start or end the day
a little compassion when needed
and a little push when you go numb
a hand to pick you up from a fall
some kindest overall

a puny acknowledgement

to make certain you're not serving
as an ornament

but loved
as the one significant