Gifts

 

I hear it in your stories
and in rare moments, I've witnessed it:
your gift --

and I marvel at the empathy
 with which you guide families
  through their worst moments
Never impatient, judgement at bay
Always respectful, giving space
 as they cope
  and grieve
   and make decisions,
wrapped in the stability of your care,
feeling heard and supported.

I wish you could bring the gift home,
 but I know it's finite,
  and I know it takes its toll.

In weak moments, I'm envious
 that they aren't expected to walk your line
  or fit your mould of what makes sense,
That they get to think and feel and be
 without being cast as a complication.

But I guess, at the end of the day
Though you may have already spent your best
 my gift is to love the part that's left.


.