Mark Toney Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

Protect your family members!

My poem addresses some of the issues that can develop when a caregiver transitions to being a selfish caretaker.  The issues presented are based on articles that I’ve read, experiences related to me by my clients, friends and relatives, and my own personal experience.  

Many elderly adults are abused in their own homes, in relatives’ homes, and even in facilities responsible for their care. If you suspect that an elderly person is at risk from a neglectful or overwhelmed caregiver, or being preyed upon financially, it’s important to speak up. Everyone deserves to live in safety, with dignity and respect. Take time to learn about the warning signs of elder abuse, what the risk factors are, and how you can prevent and report the problem. 

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Caregiver

Caregiver

Caregiver,
You came into our family
As a river of hope.
Ever flowing, always there,
Providing loving care,
So we could cope.

Caregiver,
You became an uncaring taker.
With your undue influence
You spent her money
On your own selfish wants.
Under false pretenses, you dragged her along daily,
Using her vehicle for your own personal errands. 
Like a foe you fought our family!
As we became wise to your machinations.
And when your goose was finally cooked,
Your last act was to vandalize in secret,
Leaving her heartbroken.

Oh, Uncaring Taker,
How unconscionable were your actions. 
How hateful you became.
Why were you this way?
How I would like to make you pay,
But it's her wish to leave it this way.






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December 9, 2019
F T I SPECIAL family
Brian Strand, sponsor






Copyright © 2018 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
Published 2018 in "Up In Smoke - A Collection of Poems" via wattpad.com

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William Darnell Sr January 9, 2023 at 12:45 AM Mark: First, I am sorry that you and your family encountered such a person. This is deep emotional poetry, it touched my heart, it made me drop tears, plus I agree with Line. The scheme of this is drafted out of `pure evilness.' "(How unconscionable were your actions? How hateful you became. Why were you this way?)" Those three lines were born and predicated in a most, justified manner, it wreaks of it even. Great penning, my friend. Best of Wishes, William

Line Gauthier August 11, 2020 at 4:03 PM Wow ~ so sad that the most vulnerable in our society are not safe from predators. Mark Toney August 11, 2020 at 8:20 PM I appreciate your comment, Line. It is very sad, and family members need to be alert to the signs of elder abuse. It happens more than we care to admit. ~Mark

Susan Palli May 13, 2018 at 2:13 AM Oh, what a tragedy. Can feel the emotions and visualize the scene. Well written! Mark Toney May 13, 2018 at 8:51 AM Much appreciated, Susan.