Hello Andrea

Love is often the most draining thing we must face in life because of the sacrifices that must come with it....such as swallowing those we love's darkness.

Excellent, visual piece as per usual.

Big hugs

I absolutely love you, this is so beautiful! Thank you for writing this, I really needed to read it, Moonlight Mother across the ocean. <3

Such a powerful write

Swallowing darkness so they may know peace. .

Beautiful ending.

These lines should be copied and placed in nursing homes, hospitals and hospices throughout the land. Such tender concern for your patients is marvelously touching.

"anchored in loneliness / yet surrounded / by a garden full / of love"

It is so hard not to form attachments to those we know will soon be gone from your care, you may attempt solitude, yet the blessings of these gentle but needy persons pierce your attempted shell of loneliness.

"onlookers / know sorrow / mixed with beauty"

This line made me feel that the poem was about your career. Normally the sentiment is "beauty mixed with sorrow" which you turn on its head. There is inherent sorrow in health-care and yet beneath the sorrow, the beauty of each person shines through to you.

"I've scattered enough / tears for you"

Here you confirm both your humanness and the depth with which you bring your heart to these lovely people.

"I give everything / to those I call my own, / swallowing darkness / so they may know / peace"

This stanza sums up the nature of your soul and how you approach your charges. You ease their pain but also their fears and concerns. You let them focus on their life rather than being obsessed with their pain. The image of swallowing darkness connotes a sort of salvation. Indeed, perfect description.

This is about my career and people I care about Larry thank you for the awesome comment...

This month marks 30 years for me!

Dear Andrea, it takes a person with great compassion, a heart made out of gold, willing to walk the extra mile, willing to sacrifice and put all their personal feelings aside to work in such a field. You establish a bond, it's almost like family, it is so rewarding yet can be so frustrating because whatever you do don't seem enough. Those patients are so appreciative and a simple smile will brighten their day. They so depend on you, you become their comfort and may let them forget the pain even for a moment. You are certainly one of those people. So much love for everybody. Thank you for sharing. Be blessed.

That last stanza is something that I swear, my heart will never forget. That is the very essence of love. Giving everything to another with the purest of intentions.

And that is who you are, one who loves with such a good pure heart.

I don't have too many words as others have said so much but I value and am inspired by you. I know many others are too even if not that aware of it yet. You have taught me much about the dignity of others in the few years I've known you, and shown more love than I knew was possible.

It made my heart smile to see your post that it will be 30 years. That's truly incredible! What a calling and gift you have. You touch the lives of everyone :)

Another beautifully written poem with such a lovely flow.

The First verse immediately brings the imagery of a garden full of beautiful flowers all full of sunshine and light and yet amidst them a solitary flower that gradually withers in its loneliness.

My favourite lines are:
I've grown withered, anchored in loneliness
and in particular the last verse

I give everything
to those I call my own,
swallowing darkness
so they may know
peace...

How many people give so much of themselves, endure so much so that others
might know peace.

Truly beautiful and a reflection of your inner soul. Milly x

Andrea, this is just beautiful! I love how you've put your all into this - how you protect your loved ones and swallow your pain, their pain-heartbreaking!