A Day's Work...

Each one that comes and walks through the doors
does so through the fog of the moors
the cracks, rather chasms are wide and deep
pain and judgement the fog I see seep

through flesh and soul and bone and tears
and keeps them from speaking of their fears
Hope is the comforter dispelling the cold
that protects them from all the bullshit they're sold.

Brow beaten, and sodden they sit for a while
there in my chair unable to laugh or to smile
I tell them right then this is the place to be free
to relax without judgement and soon they will see

I then tell them some of my story back then
and all of their eyes doubting it can be them
all of them ask it...just the words aren't the same
my answer is always "remember your name"

"What makes you into the person you are
has nothing to do with what's happened thus far
YOU are the one who has lived with the shame
now all you need to do is remember your name...

Remember your name not what brought you to me
think of all that you want and what helps you to see
Some things are true whether you believe them or not
Your success is for sure, not a doubted long shot

A nod of the head and a shake of their spirit
I see what they don't beyond all their preterit
I smile and nod with their back turned to me
and wonder how long before they'll feel free

I have some for weeks, and others for years
sharing smiles, frowns, successes and tears
Most days I watch them conquer Kilamanjaro
but some are filled with heart stabbing sorrow

The joy and the pain are all in a day's work...
and I wouldn't change a thing.













 

Author's Note

I work in behavioral health for a recovery and wellness center. We've had three deaths in the last three months. Two to suicide and one to natural causes. However, I would not want to do anything else. The name of our company is Visions of Hope and our motto is "Transforming Lives through Choices in Wellness". I am the Human Resources and Quality Management Director and also the teacher of the recovery education classes. I think that sometimes pain is the price I pay for having such an enjoyable and superbly fulfilling job. We lost one of our students on Friday, and although it's painful...it is still all in a day's work.

Reviews

[LisetteCanWrite!]

What a wonderful and huge heart you have as well as brave! Anyone who works in such a profession.. that has the heart to assist others who are down and out.. in such troubled times.. are servicepeople who deserve awards! To think past those lost.. to find purpose and have the ability to see there are so many in need of help. We need more people like you in this world.. this writing was very inspirational as well as your note.

I can't imagine how much it must hurt to lose someone you are trying to reach out to.. and how it must be to find that strength in the needs of so many others souls. They surely must flock around you with that kind of strength and devotion! Your focus is very clear.. throughout the ryhthm, rhyme and flow of this.. such beauty exists in such a heart filled with such devotion to others! Can't pick a favorite stanza.. this is complete together.. coming from a big, strong heart!

[Tate Morgan]

It is a admirable quality to take upon yourself the weight of guilt of others Yet it must weigh and hurt alike

[Desert Dreamer]

We must believe in ourselves if we are to overcome anything. A great poem of the possibilty of healing. Sorry for your losses.

[Erin Lee]

I work in the same field. Our motto is also similar. I really enjoyed reading your writing on this. You are great with rhyme and I found this really thoughtful. Thanks so much for sharing.

[Ken Simm.]

You know. Oh you know...
Knowing is.