These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

Weary in Well Doing

A play, a concert, party music, too.
The party's for assisted folks.
These seniors need great care, that's long and true
with fresh air under massive oaks.

It's true we need to help the young and old,
but self sometimes is needing rest.
Responsibility is painted bold,
if humans "would be truly blest."

I wonder if the safety tip we're taught,
before we taxi out to leave the ground,
would help the weary, who are burden fraught.
"Put on your mask, and then you look around
to find the other souls, you've lately brought."

Such airplane flights can teach us how to serve.
"Take care of you to give much better care
to those you love and all your lives preserve."
It seems unkind, yet really it's most fair.
First save yourself, then other needs observe.

The need for time to daily "come apart"
shows truest care, responsibility.
For going on a weary, heavy heart
will burden others, that you need to free.

The saying is "Just come apart and rest
or you may find yourself to come apart."
The bed prepares you for each daily test.
The "midnight oil" can overwhelm the heart.

I'm kind to others when I'm kind to me.
I'm helping others when I find repose.
I'm happiest just with a day to be.
I warm my core by Time I've often froze.

by Jay O'Toole
on December 12th, 2019