In honour of Care
A Poem Dedicated to Care Givers and Care Receivers
I had a sad day and someone reached into my heart and soothed the pain
Through a loving gift offered without any thought of personal gain or glory
My story was heard as the person listened to me cry in words and rage
Without asking why I could not stop the feelings inside that filled the page
No pressure to hide from myself or others my healing began
With the touch of a gentle hand and a warm embrace of an adjective no less
Stress relieved through the grace of another whose heart was with me
To offer a description, a smile, an experience to share out in the open with me
Yet with respect for my privacy while hoping the care would be well received
Giving me the courage to weep the tears locked deep within and buried with pride
My fears that once shocked me to silence began to subside, set free like a butterfly
Am I, flying away to a land of acceptance where denial is no longer required
My spirits lifted, I felt strongly inspired to face the truth of my sorrow
Knowing that today I will weep but tomorrow I will give back to another in need
Care is given and then received and the cycle begins anew, how true and
How beautiful the souls of those who reach out to dispel the fears and pain
To quiet the doubt haunting us like ghost in the rain even in daylight with sun shining
Even when pining for those we love is unbearable in the memories that hurt so much
I am healing with the soft and welcome touch of a human being who cares as deeply as do I
The tears I cry cleanse the emotions and dry the mist from my swollen eyes as I mourn
The day is reborn and it dawns on me, so am I, until the darkness returns to suddenly claim me, again
When my sorrow is not so easily tamed or consoled and I am told that I will be ok in time and with help
I believe it myself whenever I see the expression on the faces of family and strangers who care for me
Knowing there will be a time I will reach out to them with my hand and my heart to give comfort
To another, if not to them, as the seeds of healing are now firmly planted and the sun shines again
My tears will water the roots of my sorrow until it grows into a sturdy vine of compassion and grace
Where the empty space I am feeling is filled with hope and faith because I was cared for so well
Freeing me from the lonely and cold prison where mourners dwell, too often alone and despairing
Caring is what life is all about, no doubt, for me and for all, restored to health in our garden of graces
Kind care is written all over our faces because we have cared and have been cared for
Giving care and receiving it well, creates a new place for sad souls to dwell and to spread like weeds
The good news, for in the hell of sorrow where uncertainty lives we meet heavenly, caring companions.
Cath1