Infants Remembered In Silence (IRIS) - Poems

My friend, I care

By Joanetta Hendel

Don’t tell me that you understand,
don’t tell me that you know.
Don’t tell me that I will survive,
how I will surely grow.

Don’t tell me this is just a test,
that I am truly blessed,
that I am chosen for this task,
apart from all the rest.

Don’t come at me with answers
that can only come from me,
don’t tell me how my grief will pass,
that I will soon be free.

Don’t stand in pious judgment
of the bonds I must untie,
don’t tell me how to suffer,
and don’t tell me how to cry.

My life is filled with selfishness,
my pain is all I see,
but I need you, I need your love,
unconditionally.

Accept me in my ups and downs,
I need someone to share,
just hold my hand and let me cry,
and say, “My friend, I care.”

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