Share a story – Debbie

Smile for me

Smile for me when all seems lost
Smile for me when I… cannot
Smile for me when I’m alone
Smile for me when I’m trapped at home
Smile for me when the pain’s too much
Smile for me when I’m being judged

Smile for me when the grief chokes me
Smile for me when I’m invisible… not seen
Smile for me when I can’t cope with sound
Smile for me when migraines pound
Smile for me when my body shakes
Smile for me when loved ones’ hearts break

Smile for me when life passes me by
Smile for me when I ask myself why?
Smile for me when doctors gaslight
Smile for me when I try to fight
Smile for me when I get confused
Smile for me when job… I lose
Smile for me when I cannot eat
Smile for me when I can’t move my feet

Smile for me when I can’t get warm
Smile for me when therapy does me harm
Smile for me when I can’t get cool
Smile for me when we can’t afford fuel
Smile for me when I’ve severe brain fog
Smile for me when my independence is lost
Smile for me when my head’s as heavy as lead
Smile for me when fatigue shackles me to my bed

Smile for me when I can’t help but cry
Smile for me when I’m accused of lies
Smile for me when each breath’s a struggle
Smile for me when it hurts to cuddle
Smile for me when I become severe
Smile for me when I’m riddled with fear
Smile for me when I lie in hell
Smile for me when I beg for help

Smile for me when I cannot speak
Smile for me when my pulse is weak
Smile for me when my BP plummets
Smile for me when food hurts my stomach
Smile for me when my friends all leave
Smile for me when my husband’s brought to his knees
Smile for me when palpations roar
Smile for me when I can’t take any more

Smile for me when all light hurts my eyes
Smile for me as I say my goodbyes
Smile for me when there is no cure
Smile for me when my death’s premature
But… today this Smile has lifted me
Hope… is what’s been gifted to me
Made me feel that someone cares
That I’m not alone… as in ME we share

Thank you for all the kind gifts you bring
Thank you for acknowledging our suffering
May the 13th… a day for remembering
Our beautiful, brave ME warrior… Merryn
Her precious life may have been cut short
But her advocacy’s impact… was not
Through, Merryn’s Smile Day… her legacy lives on
“Life is still worthwhile” hear in my head… ‘Smile’ Chaplain’s song

© Debbie Razey 2022 – Violet Moon Poetry