Thank You!

Remembering our wonderful care workers.

 

A handicap, 

an independence, 

a resolution to 

  exist, to live, 

a defiance, a strength within. 

 

A Stroke, bravado still, 

a weakness, frustration, 

can't do what once 

  was so easy, 

hopeless, helpless, 

independence torn away, 

the most personal

  now highly impersonal. 

A dependency needed, but 

  embarrassing, 

I turn away. 

Health Workers,

Support Workers, 

Care Workers,

front line, 

they see it all

they hear it all

they cop it all, 

good days, bad. 

 

Front line, maybe 

  the first people clients see, 

the good days, bad days, 

they're spontaneous, 

always smiling, eyes bright 

  regardless of what's 

  in their lives, 

they're all things to 

  the client, 

nothing phases, 

nothing too hard, 

always cheery. 

 

They've been through 

  it all with me, 

I need them, 

a realisation of 

  dependency. 

 

Physiotherapist, 

Fitness Trainer, 

for months, a year 

  to get this body

  going again, 

for time spent, 

hours invested, 

hours, days, months. 

 

I love them all, 

need them all in 

  their individual 

  roles and help,

an appreciation of 

  all they are,

in getting this 

  body going again.  

 

Friendships, 

new partnerships formed

  adding to my story, 

a knowing, an understanding 

  like no other. 

 

A new understanding

  of individual need 

  and strengths. 

A new understanding 

  of dependency, 

not so full of bravado, 

still a determination 

  within for the 

  years ahead. 

 

I say to all

Thank you! 

 

Reviews

[barleygirl]

As a person who's independent to a fault (me), I am in awe of your journey to accept that your life & your being will be invaded on a regular basis! And to accept this with gratitude, ta-boot! Great details to show us what it all feels like. This is the month of Thanksgiving, when there will be many poems giving thanks, but I doubt if there could be another poem more bracing on this topic! Wow! I'm so proud of you! You're such an example to all the whiners on FB who went nuts becuz they weren't able to get their hair or nails done becuz of lockdowns. I'm so glad you're back to writing & posting your amazing view on life (((HUGS)))

[Richard M]

Thank you Margie for reviewing and for your comments. Love your reviews, as you see things I don't, which helps me and grows me as a poet. Thank you so much my friend. So happy my poetry is coming back, but have noticed not as before, but still love the process (((HUGS BACK)))

[Lydia Shutter]

When one is faced with needing help doing things that used to come naturally, it is not easy to accept. Making it so much easier are the angels who work in healthcare. Yes, they do have smiles on their faces and they are always encouraging. No one can be timid about any part of living when every part of living has to be watched or assisted. I am sorry you are going through this....I wish you well and the strength to get through it all. You have expressed it all so well. Lydi**

[Richard M]

Thank you Lydia for reading and your beautiful words. Acceptance comes hard when independence is your pride, but they are all angels and I am so thankful for them. I am well in myself, gaining strength, confidence and learning to walk again.
Thank you for your wishes.

[Lydia Shutter]

I wish you the strength to make a full recovery.

[Richard M]

Thank you Lydi. xo

[John the Baptist]

I worked for 12 years in a facility where there were many stroke patients. Few illnesses can take away the abilities of a lifetime in the way a stroke does. That you have passed through this ordeal with such an attitude says much for both you and those who cared for you.

[Richard M]

Thank you John for reading. A difficult situation and a pre-longed marathon in recovery which is still in progress. I had/and have a great team around me and am from a medical family, so I recognize that I fared better than most.
Take care my friend and thank you.
Richard

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I hope those who have helped others and given them courage and hope would read this wonderful write of gratitude.

[Richard M]

Hi Jacob, thank you for reading this piece. I sincerely hope you're right and that someone notices. A wonderful group of people they are.
Richard

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Richard for thanking the people we need. Coronavirus isn't done yet. My daughter, a nurse told me. 17 of the people in the nursey home have the virus. Four left the building. They never return. Time for this world to work as one.
Coyote

[Richard M]

I totally agree Coyote, we're in this 'boat' (world) together. Thank you for reading my poem. Thank you also for telling me of your daughter's work.
Take care my friend.
Richard

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome Richard.