A Practice of Care

Taking turns keeping watch.

A Practice of Care
 
 
You walked past me through
The door without saying a word. 
I knew something was wrong,
But waited.  Then, wisely, I went
To find you.
                                                                        
There you were on the bed.
I lay next to you,
Drawing myself near.
Your back against my chest,  
Your head on my arm. 
 
Muscles that held you upright
Had given out.  Bone weary,
Your body seemed without spirit.
 
I heard your short breathing.
I felt your heart quicken then
Slow down, then quicken again. 
 
I pulled you close to me and
Breathed steadily and slowly
To deliver calmness into the air.      
                                                            
You could feel me inhale and
Exhale, and took the pace of
My breathing as your own.
Your sigh evidenced my
Effort was appreciated.

I did this, not because I am
Better or stronger than you,
But because it was my turn.
 
At another time,
It will be
Your turn.  
 
 
Susan Patterson
10-2016

Audio and Author Comment-

Nothing much to say here except that we humans do best when we take turns.  skp

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Books for Your Pleasure

If you like what you read on The Causerie each week,
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Colors of the rainbow represented on the earth.

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I wish you the best that the autumn season has to offer.  skp

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