Caring is a given
Not a question for this man
Mother, Father, Aunt
Cared for them all until
He did not have the strength
Then visited twice a day
Brought pastellitos for the staff
A little sweet insurance for extra care
Was the constant for his grandchildren
Because caring is a given
No question, that every day
He picked them up from school
Took care of them if they were sick
While their power career parents
climbed ladders
Got raises and worked late
He made the nietos cafe con leche, and
listened to their stories
And when more family came from Cuba
Everyone else put up the money, but he
housed them
Because caring is a given
Even when they stayed past welcome
And their daughter left them there
He fed them, drove them, called rescue
And made the funeral plans
Now his sweetheart of sixty years
Can no longer care for herself
No break, yet no complaint
Because caring is a given
And the circle of life spins
What was given is returned
Beloved and surrounded by
All his family, every day
Full of caring,
Given with gratitude
This is written for Poetry Jam's
poetryjaam.blogspot.com prompt to write about a good person; And for
dverse poets-another form that took on a form of it's own—kinda a
quatern; dversepoets.com; and for Poets United Poetry Pantry
poetryblogroll.blogspot.com This is dedicated to my father-in-law
who is one of the most genuinely good people I know. His life has
been that of a caregiver, and he has shouldered it with love, and
patience for the past thirty years. It amazes me. And the best part
is to see how much love surrounds him. His children are always there
for him, he does not want for anything, daily phone calls too,
plus—every Saturday is breakfast with his daughter's family and
every Sunday it's dinner with us. His grandkids call him every day,
help him care for his wife, give him haircuts, and take him out to
lunch every week. * pastellitos are Cuban pastries; *nietos is
spanish for grandchildren :-)
Sara, this makes my heart sing. It sounds as if he has helped so many people throughout his life (heartwarming about his grandchildren) and now the caring is returned to him, which is definitely as it should be. The circle of life DOES indeed spin! Smiles.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary!! You made my day with your "heart singing" comment. That is what it's all about. And you are exactly right--no one poem can capture all that he is and has done--just a humble good person, always doing the right thing :-) Thank you!
Deletewhat is given is returned....i love that he gave so much...it speaks high of his heart...and i am glad in the end that they learned from him as well...
ReplyDeleteHi Brian!! Yes, he has a wonderful heart and it is so heartwarming to see how much his grandkids love him--they all say he's "cool" because he has never judged them, always made them feel like they are the most amazing kids/people :-) I feel very lucky they had him in their lives
DeleteThis one really touches the heart ... you have spoken so truly about love and dedication !!!
ReplyDeleteHi G.S.!! Glad that the message came through--it was not an easy write, and honestly I wanted to be more melodic/poetic--but also wanted to share it before the New Year :-) thank you!
DeleteKarma. We get back what we give out. Your father in law is getting his just deserts. With is actions, he gave love out all of his life and now he is loved in return. I wish the whole world could live like this and then it wouldn't be in so much trouble.
ReplyDeleteThis is a truly lovely poem, and read. Yes, he is a good man and, it's heart warming to see that his goodness is being rewarded.
Loved this and, thank you for such a lovely comment too :)
Hi Brenda!! You are so right--Karma, I see it all the time. The world would be a much better place if everyone understood that--Thank you very much for your generous words :-)
DeleteFantastic tribute -- beautiful.
ReplyDelete"For Him, Caring is Given"
is a title I hear.
Hi Sabio!! You're right, that would be a great title--thank you very much for your kind words :-)
DeleteLovely tribute to a caring person.
ReplyDeleteHi Cressida!! So nice to see you again--thank you! I'm very glad you enjoyed it :-)
DeleteHow precious is this piece? Keep it! Share it with your children, nieces and nephews. It tells the life story of an amazing person, living an enlightened existence.
ReplyDeleteHi Kim!! Nice to see you :-) That is a good idea, some day, I'll share it. The best part is that they are living it now, seeing that example--It's a wonderful thing.
DeleteThis is such a lovely tribute! Beautifully written!
ReplyDeleteHi!! Nice to see you again--thank you for your kind words :-)
DeleteWhat a heart-warming story to read, especially at this time of year. I like how you showed his loving and his kindness with specific things. Excellent. You should post a picture of him with this.
ReplyDeleteHi Peggy!! You are right, I should post a picture of him--that's part of the charm too, a very unassuming man--no cape or anything :-) Thank you!
Deleteoh he sounds like a wonderful man...such a gift to have people with such a big heart in the fam..and so wonderful that what was given is returned now..that's not always the case..wonderful write
ReplyDeleteHi Claudia!! Thank you very much--so true, it is a gift to have him in the family and to see his impact on the kids, they are definitely better people because of his influence. :-)
DeleteThis poem looked rather bleak, and so the sunny ending was quite a pleasant surprise! Great storytelling.
ReplyDeleteHi Jack!! Yes, I saw that too and it's not my style, fortunately his life does have a happy result :-)
DeleteJust the mention of "pastelitos" had me melting like an ice cream inside an oven. That word brings back memories galore. Your poem is a beautiful ode to those who left before and never forgot those they left behind. Many thanks. I really enjoyed that.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.
Hi Cuban!!! Thought you'd enjoy that pastelito reference :-) Always enjoy your visits and comments-so glad to have met you.
DeleteGreetings from Fort Lauderdale :-)
I just love this for so many reasons.
ReplyDelete