The Visit

A smile broke the surface,
She held out her arms,
As I opened the door to her room;
My single red rose
Seemed so little to give,
But she breathed in its lovely perfume;

"I'm sorry to keep you,
You've so much to do,
I hate being helpless
And a burden to you."

You are never a burden
You’re loved far too much;
When life becomes heavy,
Let me be your crutch.

Your life is a treasure
No body could hold;
You are never a burden,
Just because you’ve grown old;

You’ve shared all my problems,
You’ve cried for my pain,
You’ve prayed for my efforts,
And lauded my gain;

When life left me wounded,
You helped me to mend;
You gave me the honour
Of being your friend;

I look at my children,
And I see your love there,
Still shining and smiling;
The fruit of your prayer.

Your strength and example
Enlightened my way,
You carried my burden,
I thank you today.

As I sat by her bedside,
She squeezed my hand tight,
"You shouldn't have bothered,
But the rose is just right!"
Edie Batstone