Bearing Heavy Loads Poem by Margaret O Driscoll

Off the school bus I'd take a shortcut to see you as you worked on the farm by yourself
In Spring you showed me newborn lambs you had delivered with difficulty
Together we'd collect goose eggs from straw-strewn nesting boxes
You'd remind me to watch out for the angry gander

When skittish horses galloped up an old laneway towards us, you got me to hide behind bushes
You tried to teach me to whistle using a blade of grass between your thumbs
On a wintry evening I watched you bring a big beart of hay to feed cattle
I didn't like seeing you bearing heavy loads, though you were strong

Sadly, strength was no defence against that illness that changed your life completely
From the cusp of adulthood it took away so much from you
For the next fifty years you lived with that heavy load, but nothing could ever rob you of your kindness
Your warm smile and gentle handshake as you'd greet me

You still didn't complain even when finally cancer laid you low
Dear brother your brave spirit will stay with me ever shining