When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking

by Paulo Coelho on September 29, 2011


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.


*On my way to take my first path of the 27 years of life, I dedicate this poem to my beloved Mom and Dad for brought me into this world and shower me with unconditional love always. Wishing that for the years ahead I will always make them proud, put a smile on their faces, lighten up their burden, and contribute to their happiness in everyway that I could possibly do.