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

[Beccy]

So many of them and so often overlooked, such young carers show that despite the oft time negative sentiment about modern day youth, theirs is a generation that still cares.

Currently we are in extraordinary times, but without exception, such youngsters have always been extraordinary.

Beccy.

[Chris Shaw]

You are so right Beccy. Listening to this young man, he touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. So upbeat, uncomplaining and wanting to do his best. Indeed there are many of them having to deal with caring for family in these extraordinary times. Many thanks for checking in. Hope you and your son are keeping safe and well.

Chris

[Fay Slimm]

Loud applause for these young heroes - - thank you Chris for the account of Riley who leads in showing loving care.

[Chris Shaw]

Yes, they certainly deserve a round of applause Fay, these young carers, and there are many of them. Many thanks for your visit.

Chris

[PamiAnde]

That you took this young man's story and turned it into an ode of empathy, Christine, is beautiful. Thank you for listening with your heart, and sharing. I get my 2nd covid vaccine tomorrow, and am incredibly grateful.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Pam/Ande, this young man touched my heart. I had my second vaccine last Saturday and like you am extremely grateful. All good wishes.

Chris

[barleygirl]

I'm stunned by this, not only becuz it's a heart-throb of a real-life vignette, but becuz of the way you pack it full of astonishment that grabs your readers by the tootsies! Hundreds of times I've bemoaned today's youth, losing a big chunk of their lives to covid . . . but this shines a fresh light & for some the hardships will be a blessing of growth beyond comprehension! Thanks so much for sharing this with your characteristic pizazz! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Like you Margie, I can question the youth of today but then along comes youngsters like Riley and I think all is well. Really appreciate this fab review.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

These folks, like Riley, are the true heroes of this pandemic. Selflessly looking after others...putting those ahead of himself...
gratitude and kudos to him.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Where would we be without the carers I ask myself. Thank you Jacob. This young lad touched my heart.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

thank you Christine ... you have written something special .. it tugs at my heart and makes me pause to think of those caregivers in particular. We have many many fine young people out there doing heroic things ... they well deserve and big thank you and our prayers of support .. in my own world i am over it ... truly ... but if we are to believe the "news" .. this new strain stuff is taking our children now .. extraordinary circumstances indeed ... we can't live in fear but we sure know why we should be eh!? all the caregivers can use our best support .. world wide .. today and everyday actually

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Mr E, thank you so for visiting this one. Written a while ago, but I decided to post today. I listened to this young man on the radio and I ended up in tears listening to his daily routine. He was so upbeat and hopeful and uncomplaining and just wanting to do his best. Like all our carers world wide, they do need all our support in these challenging times. We must just hope that modified and abundant vaccines can be produced as quickly as these new strains come along. Never have our scientists been tested in this way. It is a race. Hope my friend that you are finding some softness in your days. An embrace across the waves.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

thanks Chris .. i can use that hug .. and back at ya!