Rotting Toes
you have done so much for us
taking care of everyone,
providing for your children,
even though they are adults,
your support will always provide
just as you love your grandchildren like
the way you love chocolate even though
you can't have it because it will kill you.
you purchase items from poor neighbors
or strangers to help their struggle
even though you yourself
don't have much to spare,
you give what you can
to the people around you.
though there are times
where love cannot fix our illnesses,
you go to church every day
to pray us back to health.
but now that you have cancer
you dwell with a smile on your face.
suffering in pain,
you don't take the time to care for yourself.
you keep on loving us and caring for others
even though you are sick,
you never take break from caring for us.
if I could switch places with your brave soul,
I would also be compelled to love
the same way you have loved your children
and the children’s children who have grown up so well
because without you we would not know how to love.
though I am your grandchild,
I could not bear the smile you show upon us,
if we could trade our places, I would happily oblige
because without you, I would’ve never learned how
to care and have respect for those who are unfortunate
and to give to individuals who have nothing
Unlike your rotting toes.