Don’t know if when I reach out
and say I understand,
does this help mitigate the burden
the onus of the lonliness
Maybe I don’t give you money
or take away your pain
or keep you from aging
but I can look into your eyes
and say I understand
I can ask “are you ok?”
hold your hand and help
you walk across the street
take you to your doctor’s appointment
I can bring you food
cook for you
make sure you don’t spill it
help you wash up
then caringly help you
under the covers of your bed
I can stroke your forehead
speak softly till you
unknowingly travel into that
soft and gentle space
that when awake you cannot take
This I can do for you
It’s not much
but for a moment
in this harsh and cruel life
it allows you some comfort
And you lie down to sleep
knowing in the last waking moments
that someone cared,
someone understood.
This made me cry. It reminded me of a woman I delivered Meals on Wheels to a while ago. I did these very things for her until she got too disabled to live on her own and had to be moved out of county into a nursing home. It broke my heart. I still try to give a little comfort, even if it's only conversation or a kind word, with every meal I deliver. You touched me with this one.
ReplyDeleteYes, Lolamouse, I too reflected upon my persoanl past experience.
ReplyDeleteFor the record, yes, it does help.
ReplyDeleteRabbit, I'm glad!!!
ReplyDelete