FOR ALL THAT YOU SHARED

 The one day you don't 

They forget all the times that you did

The one day you won't 

They forget all the times you said "Yes"

The one day you can't

They forget all the times 

You abandoned your plans

And ran to their sides

Then one day you should 

But you think of the times that 

Your good deeds were punished 

Your caring was tarnished

You salvage your pride

You fear that you've wasted your time

Then one day you're gone--

That's when the true test begins

That's when they learn 

There won't be someone else stepping in

That's when the evidence of what you gave

Comes to bear

And everything grinds to a halt 

Because no one is there 

Weeds grow where flowers bloomed

Filth covers what once was clean

Brown patches now form 

In spaces, once luscious and green

There was a time when 

You answered each beck and call

Now days are spent in lament

Over no help at all

No trace of your sacrifice

No sign of the time you put in

"No" is what you'll utter next time 

You're asked to step in

"No" to mistreatment

When you could be living in peace

All bets are off when

Inconsideration won't cease

Then one day you're free and

That's when the true test begins

That's when you vow

You won't ignore your own needs again

That's when the evidence of what you gave

Comes to bear

And when you reach out--

Remember that you, too, need care

So much will greet you

And perhaps, will reward you

So much will heal you

Countless lessons to teach you--

Renew you 

Give your life back to you

For all that you shared--

For all of the years, toil, and tears,

Heart, and soul that you shared

 vrw©2017