Gratitude
for grace already received
is a robust measure of generosity.

Compassion scans for generosity’s fullness
felt within
as incarnated without

As dispassion predicts greed’s anxious emptiness.

Giving is physical and/or verbal
while generosity is mental and nonverbal.

Giving,
like loving,
hoping for a return of grace
within your lifetime’s future,
does not share
or stretch
your gift of generosity.

Giving,
hoping to receive in equal measure,
plus interest,
plus loyalty,
plus admiration for our generosity,
is an investment
which counts the cost
of risking loss

Not necessarily a failure of gratitude,
or love,
for oneself
as for Other,
and also
not an outward compassionate act
of inward
mind-nourishing generosity.