Eric Ortiz

Editor’s note: Truthdig is running a poetry series called “Homeboy Creative,” featuring writers from Homeboy Industries, a gang-prevention program in Los Angeles. This is the third piece in the series. Read Part 1, Part 2 and Part 4.

“There’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” Those words come not from a heralded poet or noted philosopher, but from “Dilbert” cartoonist Scott Adams.

The quote—and its source—serve as a reminder to both the power of kindness and the fact that profound wisdom can come from unexpected places. The creative writing class at Homeboy Industries is one of those unexpected places.

In the third chapter of our “Homeboy Creative” series, the class explores the themes of acceptance and kindness.

— Posted by Eric Ortiz

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