Mark Toney Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

7/25/2018

~Honorable Mention~ Take Care of Yourself First Poetry Contest, sponsored by Caren Krutsinger

Take Care of Yourself First
 

Take Care of Yourself First

“Take care of yourself first.”
That’s what we told my mama
when my daddy had his strokes.
Seven long years by his side,
caring for his body, paralyzed.
Fearing for her health we said:
“You can’t take care of daddy
till you care for yourself first.”
That’s what we told my mama,
until my daddy died in 1985.

“Take care of yourself first.”
That’s what I told my wife
when her mom’s simple operation
became a septic laceration.
As she tirelessly cared for mom
I feared for her well-being.
“You can’t take care of mom
till you care for yourself first.”
That’s what I told my wife,
until her mom passed on in 2011.

“Take care of yourself first.”
That’s what my wife told me
as my mama slowly wasted away,
physically, mentally, emotionally.
And we willingly provided the
loving care that she deserved.
“You can’t take care of mama
till you care for yourself first.”
That’s what my wife told me,
until my mama left the scene in 2015.

Take care of yourself first
when you experience the worst,
for if you fall apart, for certain
you’ll be someone else’s burden.

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Barbara Barry-Nishanian February 16, 2021 at 4:32 AM I did not know you then except in passing, we do not know what the friends are dealing with. God's Kingdom will set us free. Mark Toney February 26, 2021 at 9:37 AM Thank you, Barbara! I thought that was you!

Line Gauthier August 11, 2020 at 3:59 PM Very touching, Mark. Mark Toney August 11, 2020 at 8:14 PM That means a lot to me, Line. Cheers! ~Mark

Panagiota Romios March 27, 2019 at 6:03 AM Hi Mark! Never saw this poem before. Caregiving is absolutely not for everyone. I took care of Mom till she passed. I was not at all crushed in the process. I grew beyond my own expectations. And would re-do my experience. Having a background in nursing helped plus knowing my health and social needs.-)) Panagiota Mark Toney March 27, 2019 at 8:58 AM Panagiota, thank you for the awesome comment! We too are happy to have been there for our loved ones and would do it again. I have another poem, "Caregiver," that I posted on 5/9/2018 dealing with what can happen when a caregiver stops giving and starts taking. Thank you, again. ~Mark

Gershon Wolf July 31, 2018 at 6:26 PM Excellent entry … Congrats on the placement … Just a thought: For some people, the only way to take care of themselves is to take care of another (person). They can be selfless, wonderful folks --- who have no clue whatsoever how to take care of themselves … Again, just a thought. ~ gw Mark Toney July 31, 2018 at 10:24 PM Very true, Gershon. Nice observation.

Nette Onclaud July 29, 2018 at 1:22 PM grreat write as i send you my warm congrats, toney! Mark Toney July 29, 2018 at 1:52 PM Much appreciated, Nette! And warm congratulations to you too!

Michelle Faulkner July 28, 2018 at 11:45 PM Congratulations, Mark, I was so moved by your stories, the last stanza is so wise- Mark Toney July 29, 2018 at 1:04 PM Michelle, thank you for your very encouraging, heartfelt comment. Congratulations to you too!

Susan Gentry July 28, 2018 at 11:34 PM Congratulations on your win. I like how you wrote this, using real situations. :) Mark Toney July 29, 2018 at 1:01 PM Thank you, Susan. I appreciate your kind encouragement. Congratulations to you too!

Eve Roper July 28, 2018 at 6:00 PM Mark, this is so heartfelt. Your last verse hit home. Congratulations on your win.. . Hugs Eve Eve Roper July 29, 2018 at 4:32 PM The contest is like being back in school and taking a test.. I was never good a test taking, but when I got a good grade it inspired me for the next.. like The little engine that could. I know I can.... Mark Toney July 28, 2018 at 7:01 PM Thank you so much, Eve. I finally got up the nerve to enter a contest :)

Brandy Nicole July 26, 2018 at 12:56 PM Tender sigh. I understand your thoughts completely. The Lord doesn't place more on you, than you can bear. Sometimes- it may feel like it though. I helped my mother care for a friend of the family, until she passed on Dec 20, of last year. It can take a toll on the mind and body. Taking care of oneself, is needed while caring for another. ~ Brandy Brandy Nicole July 26, 2018 at 1:42 PM You are welcome Mark. I help my mother every day as I can, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I appreciate you. Take care of yourself as well. :) Brandy Mark Toney July 26, 2018 at 1:05 PM Brandy, your comment is filled with compassion and understanding, which I very much appreciate. Take care of yourself :)

Lyric Man July 26, 2018 at 5:22 AM Mark, such solid advise! Mark Toney July 26, 2018 at 8:12 AM That it is! Thanks for stopping by :)

Ilene Bauer July 25, 2018 at 5:45 PM well said, mark, with a wonderful ending! best of luck in the contest. Mark Toney July 25, 2018 at 6:19 PM Thank you so much, Ilene. I enjoyed your “Coming First” too!