Behind a Caregiver's Smile

by Maple Tree   Sep 2, 2014


She was eighty something
and I was barely eighteen,
when holding her hand
meant more than the shawl
she snuggled in.

She was alone and dying-

That day I became a caregiver,
not knowing my career would lead
me down a path of such beauty
and fulfilment,
however, I forgot to take care
of me.

I've been overwhelmed with
helping others that my soul
starting to peel away slowly.

Those who love me started
to paint by number my tears
within the lack of sleep cracks
surrounding my smile.

I became a calculated portrait,
Mona Lisa mystery-

What are the thoughts behind
the pale face we have grown to love
and admire?

All these years I forgot what Elza
said before she past on;

"Don't forget to take care of yourself
before you care for others My Dear"....

    report violation
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Latest Comments

  • 9 years ago

    by CuteThingsGoneWrong

    I was actually told this advice recently... And I was also told, "You have your fathers heart, always putting others before himself.. You need to take care of you too"

    personally ive always been one for the idea of...

    I dont care if i die giving everything away... (which is apparent when i was homeless and had not eaten in a few days... I obtained food and i gave it to a man who looked worse off then I...)And i dont even mean in stories just like that... even emotionally i enjoy giving it my all.

    But in the end we do need to take care of ourselves because if we dont our loved ones will be the ones who suffer the most.
    Maple tree...
    I think that name suites for someone with this kind of attitude because its a tree that is viewed as sweet... People hurt it by taking from it but it gives and stands tall, always being there for anyone.

    I derailed my own comment.

    I did enjoy this piece and i think it describes a lot of caregivers (including nurses who put their work into everything then go home drinking their pain away)

    I wonder what would happen if i disappeared. Would anyone i help even notice? would they even care?
    Interesting notion.

  • 10 years ago

    by cassie hughes

    Beautiful and so very true.

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