Why am I so selfish?
I should think more of her.
But instead of seeing what could be
I'm being so immature.
I know she's truly suffering.
That should be my main concern.
Yet all I seem to think about is...
''Will she ever learn? ''
Her lungs are black as tar.
She needs help just to breathe.
Hearing that she'll smoke again
makes me simply seethe.
She knows what she is doing.
She's not a little child.
I thought that only young people
did stuff that's dumb and wild.
Don't set aside the oxygen
so you can have a smoke.
You're dying right in front of me.
This pain is not a joke.
It only ever occurrs to the unselfish that they may be being selfish. That aside, this is a touching and poignant piece (well-written goes without saying of course) and thank you for posting.
I don't think you're selfish, Mary, I think you have a lovely heart.
yuor not being selfish, you don`t control her, you can only be thier for her.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
The guilt is always thrown back onto the one who is trying to help. All you can be is firm but kind, and know you have done all you can. Love and hugs Ernestine XXX