Saplings

(in awe of young carers, this one was 16)

consider Riley half grown 

who sports broad shoulders

matched by a strong resolve

.

who says his once peaceful home

was his own small sanctuary until

it became his daily entrapment

.

where he selflessly cares for

his blind and disabled mother

during tedious lockdown loneliness

.

not forgetting both his old grans

whom he runs errands for

though he dares not take the bus

.

preferring to walk as he fears

picking up the virus and passing it 

unknowingly to those he loves most

.

you do not hear him complain

he recognises there are other young

carers far worse off than he

.

a child with compassion is Riley

and other children like him

caring for members of family

.

in extraordinary circumstances

pause a moment to reflect on

unwavering devotion in hard times

.

Reviews

[Dylan Macadham]

I love this sweet tribute to young Riley! There's lots more going on the minds and hearts of kids than meets the eye. ...Reminds me of when my ex-wife and I broke up and my then-8-yr-old son, Paul, would, for weeks afterwards, walk to my new apartment after school to make sure I was ok :)

[Chris Shaw]

Young people often get a bad time, but then there are plenty like Riley who prove they can rise to the occasion and go beyond it. Your young son loved and missed his Dad. I bet those visits meant the world to you. Many thanks, this was a lockdown write Dylan.

Chris

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Riley is a carer in real life ?
How awesome a poem this is
Loved it
His selfless unwavering duty to his loved ones a sacrifice only he will realise when he’s old enough to miss his youth

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Julie, a tribute to Riley. What an awesome sixteen tear old he is. Heard him talking on the radio. What a credit to his family. Thanks for reading.

Chris

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

Great
Of course I didn’t hear it here in oz but there’s many young carers worldwide
Thanks Christine for bringing us Riley

[Dave Brown]

It is interesting that the hard times bring about instances of rising to whatever can become difficult challenges to overcome.
Obviously a very special young guy

[Chris Shaw]

He was awesome to listen to. A real credit to his family. Thanks for checking this one out Dave. Have a great day.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... this poem “Sapling” is very endearing... we are very fortunate to survive this Pandemic. The young people are very Brave and do keep our Spirits full of Hope and they do help us whenever possible. tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Pat. There are many young people doing marvellous things to help the oldies out. They are a credit to their families. Had to pay tribute to Riley, he was awesome on the radio. Sixteen, but such spirit and common sense. Loved him speaking.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... I came across your poem again...
young people still have the wonderful Spirit that is caring and thoughtful. I feel this Pandemic has brought many of us to our Knees in prayer-- life is so unpredictable. Also, we can reach out to young people who may feel unstable, and say something that may soothe their feelings. Our Grand son who is 17 just sent us a Thank You Note-- to thank us for our "Unconditional Love". Perhaps we did or said something that helped him... although, I cannot pinpoint what that would be. We are living in "unusual times". I love the way you acknowledge a young person for such spirit and common sense.
We forget that "it may take a 'Village' to help each other. gently, Pat

[lightsong]

I adore them, I respect them, those young ones who carry on their hearts and shoulders burdens we can't imagine, their responsibile, patient, and determined spirits, specially when they don't complain. Many many thanks for sharing this story with us, the beautifuuuul amazing and outstanding Riley🤍❤️🤍 BTW your title is so wonderful!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much lightsong for my little tribute to Riley. What an awesome young man and such a credit to his family. Pleased you approve if my title too. You see I am akwats a tree person at heart :)

Chris

[John the Baptist]

With all of the bad news coming out of the pandemic, there are instances of quiet heroism that might go unnoticed save for poems such as this one. Riley's age is not stated, though he is obviously youthful, a time normally associated with pleasant pursuits. He has forgone these to help not only his blind mother, but also his two grandmothers. A lot of his efforts involve walking in order to avoid possible infection on buses. Not a whole lot of time for fun, but he fulfills his duties without complaint. If many of the coming generations are like this fellow, perhaps the world is not so bad off after all.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much John, Riley is sixteen. When I listened to him on the radio, he brought tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat. Yes, I thought, selflessness is still there in a generation who have been known to have it all.

Chris

[Remanence]

The distance between Boomers and Gen Z regarding inter-generational ethics and compasson values has never been greater here in the USA and is uplifting to hear of such dedication amd maturity displayed by one so young. You have extended excellent recognition and this sapling will undoubtedly become one of the "oaks" of Gen Z. Great job Chris!

[Chris Shaw]

You are so right about the differences between boomers and Gen Z, Watercress. We have a couple living with us, always reminding us we are boomers. On our toes all the time trying to bridge gaps and give a different perspective. We win some and lose some:) There are plenty of good hearted youngsters around, and when you see it, you have to acknowledge it. Riley is just one. Thank you for your visit.

Chris

[Remanence]

What you example to your young charges is what we all should be doing. To reach across the years to a young person is one thing, but to have them respond to and grasp those values is priceless! In my country, a full 50% of Gen Z's parent(s) left the church as young adults and it follows that 35% of Gen Z youth have never attended church.
Such a sad thing, but a new and growing reality. So much so that the social trends projected for 2055 have now been pushed to 2040, driven by a 1%/yr decrease in Christian vs secular based values.
Another real change within youth is their growing lack of confidence in seeing a bright future for themselves. Totally unlike your's (Another kudo to your efforts!), most youths are not getting encouragement at home. Again, we should all be following your example!

[Chris Shaw]

How kind you are. We try our best :) Thank you.

[Poetic Beauty]

During this crazy time in the world there are many who have taken on care giving roles because some dare not venture out because of health issues. There are many that do this when there isn’t a pandemic and it isn’t an easy role.

[Chris Shaw]

Difficult role for anyone, but for kids who have to fit their school work in as well, most challenging. So many of them doing it locally too. Thanks PB. A big shout out to all carers. They have been marvellous.

Chris

[Poetic Beauty]

This pandemic definitely has made everything more difficult for everyone. Even simple things aren’t so simple anymore

[Unspoken poet]

Such an heartfelt write really, so nicely written and expressed

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Unspoken. Your thoughts welcome and appreciated.

Chris

[Seriana]

Chris, I just love the way you present your writing. I feel as though I have walked into your gallery and immediately recognize the artist as you by your for and content. And then to knock it out of the part with a really challenging topic? Well done. This year long last has been so difficult for everyone is so many different ways and circumstances. It's nice to point out a little faith in the younger crowd of humanity. Love this!

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Amber, your review lifts my spirits. Thank you so much poet for your kind words. Take care.read moreDear Amber, your review lifts my spirits. Thank you so much poet for your kind words. Take care.

Chris