Work as hard as you can
for as long as you can
Then you’re ill
can’t work
can’t walk
can’t bear talk
or remember how no pain felt
can count on the hand you can’t lift
your friends
and family
can’t work
or provide
can’t afford pride
or holidays
you manage Christmas, on plastic
can’t walk your children to school
it’s uphill
you’re ill
can’t work
can’t live
can’t provide –
the part that was you
the man that was you
the pride in you
died
Try not to care
that the love of your life
is no longer your wife
but your carer
Work as hard as you can
for as long as you can
- by Linda Cosgriff
United Kingdom
