You Carried Us

Our Hero Peerless

You’d think, for your effort,

Somebody would care.

The life that you lived

Spread flowers and cheer.

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You put smiles on faces,

Caught the sun’s afterglow,

Tied children’s laces,

Took care what you sowed.

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I looked all around—

The crowd loved your name.

Said whenever there’s a gathering,

You were sure to be game.

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Everyone you helped

Put on shows, entertained.

You were such a delight,

We had your picture framed.

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The most wonderful person

We found in this age.

You never said never,

You gave and gave.

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From your endless depths,

You left nothing behind.

When the people came calling,

You’d never decline.

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Now the Superman sequel,

The casting call’s been made.

You lived so much like him,

Your name’s first on the page.

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For all of this trouble,

We asked you what you won—

All the feelings bottled,

All the sweat under the sun.

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Each time you came running,

No sacrifice that’s fun.

You gave, and gave, and gave again,

We’re just glad that it’s done.

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Now you sit there in silence,

Take a moment in-between.

The weight of your emotions

Feel the cracks at the seams.

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What really have you done?

All the measures make a sum:

Never to be criticized,

Never to be shunned.

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No one’s plans you jeopardized,

Who everyone could trust.

You never played selfish,

You’re first to count your loss.

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Then why are you now helpless?

Reach out now—what’s the fuss?

You carried all our burdens,

But never leaned on us.

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This poem is a reflection of the emotional exhaustion that comes with selflessness. The tragedy that occurs when one who so freely gives help is unable to ask for the same in kind. It explores the space between the outward projection and the internal weariness.

There's this saying, "Closed mouths don't get fed," and isn't that the truth. Generosity is good, but all things need measure before we burnout and fall to determining our worth by usefulness. We'd be surprised how much people want to help us if only we can reach out a hand.

This one is for those that give everything away. It's good to be dependable but learn to depend on others too.

Proverbs 11:17

[17]The merciful, kind, and generous man benefits himself [for his deeds return to bless him], but he who is cruel and callous [to the wants of others] brings on himself retribution.