ISABELLA
(Friend of Carol’s, runs a home for handicapped people)
Isabella was looking forward to the evening
She enjoyed Carol’s company after a day toiling
Providing for the comfort and needs of her Service Users
You have to be so politically correct these days for the penny counters
Somebody once asked her how she felt about the people in her care
She answered with a glib reply squashing down the despair
Some days she doesn’t know what else she could have done
At the time she made the decision she was totally certain
She didn't look far enough ahead she can’t go through it all again
So she’ll pretend it’s all great, she’s happy, she’ll shop tomorrow
Retail therapy is not a cure but like a strip of Velcro
She can attach a patch; bolster up her life some more
As she locks her emotions deep down in a drawer
She’ll suggest they have a drink or two at the weekend
She’ll talk about her holiday and smile and pretend
She’s happy and content and fake it until she makes it.
Oh, I feel for Isabella. "...fake it until she makes it." Hope she makes it soon.
ReplyDeleteI imagine caring for the old and infirm is totally draining. There are probably far too many Isabellas worn down by their own commitment, but thank goodness for their sacrifice. The Isabellas are stronger than I am.
ReplyDeleteHi Sally, I'm enjoying your blog so much I am nominating you for a Liebster Award. All will be revealed on Saturday at sothisis40-really.blogspot.com Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteWorking in the care industry can certainly be a demanding job. I like the "strip of Velcro" line.
ReplyDeleteThat must be such a hard job. It would require fortitude and a certain pretense.
ReplyDeletePoor isabelle she sounds a bit down its rough being a caregiver..
ReplyDeleteWhat a hard job to have. I hope she makes it.
ReplyDeleteOoo- that one definitely struck a cord. Paricularly the
ReplyDeleteSome days she doesn’t know what else she could have done
At the time she made the decision she was totally certain
She didn't look far enough ahead she can’t go through it all again
stanzas.
This is such a fascinating study of town, little summations that quickly reveal the heart of character and then move on. Really liking these.
And, BTW, thanks for all your comments!!
It is a tough job, the emotions completely understandable. She may be my favorite so far.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more about caregiving. SO tough and stressful. I had to care for my dad for three months when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. And, it was beyond stressful for both of us. The final days of a person's life are the most important of our existence.
ReplyDeleteIsabella is well drawn Sally-another interesting denizen of your village.
ReplyDeleteBlog hopping tonight. Interesting Post.
ReplyDeleteRetail therapy almost always works for me. Visiting from the A-Z!
ReplyDeleteKathy
http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com
Poor Isabella, interesting post though!
ReplyDeleteBeen there, done that! Fake it till you make it, shop till you drop, just get through the day -- for tomorrow things will change!
ReplyDeleteLove it!
Another great vignette. You have a knack for conveying character with just a few stanzas. Great job!
ReplyDelete