Merchant of gentle threads

An allegory of kindness, following a thoughtful merchant whose interactions with townsfolk reveal small, human moments of encouragement and understanding. Notes: Song, images and lyrics generated by AI ( https://suno.com/s/9Lp9wpZ6VSBKW3kh ) Design and edits by human [Verse] Along the market's cobbled way A merchant keeps her stall each day; Fine coats and ribbons neatly spread, With gentle words her trade is led. A mason came with weary face, Dust from his labor every place; He spoke of years spent stone by stone, Till now a guildhouse bore his own. She smiled and said, "Your work shall stand Long after slips the builder's hand." He left in finer coat arrayed, More glad for praise than purchase made. [Chorus] Kindness costs no silver coin, Yet hearts by kindness swiftly join. A cheerful word, a listening ear, Can lighten burdens dark and drear. Though others pass with colder mind, She keeps to virtue, true and kind; And hopes the world may brighter be When goodwill walks with courtesy. [Verse] A widow sought a winter cloak, And of her absent daughter spoke; The girl had crossed the distant sea To learn the healer's remedy. The merchant listened with delight And praised the daughter's noble fight. The widow's eyes with gladness shone, As if the praise were for her own. One gruff old sailor stormed and frowned, Complaining all that he had found; The cloth too coarse, the sleeves too wide, No garment seemed to suit his pride. She heard him out with patient grace, Then kindly searched from place to place. At last he laughed, his temper spent, And left far happier than he went. [Chorus] Kindness costs no silver coin, Yet hearts by kindness swiftly join. A cheerful word, a listening ear, Can lighten burdens dark and drear. Though others pass with colder mind, She keeps to virtue, true and kind; And hopes the world may brighter be When goodwill walks with courtesy. [Verse] A young apprentice, pale with fear, Confessed his master judged severe. Yet he had fashioned, through the night, His first fine doublet stitched aright. She praised the care in every seam, And strengthened thus the youth's esteem. He left resolved to persevere, His future seeming bright and clear. She came to prize the gentle art Of lifting burdens from the heart; And found that every kindly deed Could answer some unspoken need. And so she greets both great and small, With equal grace she welcomes all. [Final Chorus] Kindness costs no silver coin, Yet hearts by kindness swiftly join. If more would choose the gentle way, The world were fairer day by day. Still whether others learn or not, She tends the virtue she has got; For kindness, freely given and true, Helps hearts and hopes shine through.