In the silence of today

For years I kept on going,
step by step,
breath after breath,
without thinking,
without contemplating,
but simply in faith,
in love,
caring for others.

The simplicity of life,
was not that simple.
The difficulties of life,
almost brought me down.
If it wasn’t for your love,
I would have crumbled,
but now,
I have to learn to love,
myself.

For years I kept on going,
without anybody by my side,
no one was applauding,
or simply noticing,
the hard work I did.

Only you,
in the depth of your heart,
noticed with your blue eyes,
the love I gave each hour,
each day,
each month,
until there was no more love to give.

In the silence of today,
I wonder,
where the time has left,
my love,
my heart,
my soul.

In the silence of today,
I know,
I gave it all to you!

As a qualified nurse I used to work in retirement homes and nursing homes, taking care of the elderly with all the love I had inside of me. The last five years of my mother’s life I helped her wherever I could, again with all the love inside of me! I am a caretaker, someone who delights in helping others, even though I cannot do it anymore, due to fibromyalgia. It is still an essential part of who I am. Initially I wrote this poem about me.

But then I reread it and thought of all the doctors and nurses who work so hard ever single day to safe lives. To safe people from the coronavirus. And suddenly this poem was no longer about me, but about them. Relentlessly working around the clock to safe lives with all the love in their heart!

So, to all the doctors, nurses, medical staff and everyone else who works selflessly and relentlessly every single day for us! Thank you! Know that you are seen! Know that you are appreciated! Know that you are loved!