Poem: 'If I could..'

Written By Victoria Chin. A poem about translating Carer needs

If I could I'd translate the language of Carers,
take the pain and fear and needs of their loved one and like a stenographer translate with a machine
Convert everything I hear into meaningful support and actions that, like a bespoke Savile Row suit,
could be chalked and fitted to perfection, absorbed and smoothed into the lines of THEIR existing routine.

Empathetic telepathy would be the tool, if I could.
Perceived gentle waves and curves of my arm, orchestrate the strength and inclusion, conduct whats needed, to weave a comforting dance around those in need, embrace and hug, if I could
I'd point and draw a line on the ground to create the boundaries to exclude the stresses or strains of people and issues that would try to punctuate the veil of protection and disrupt the calm; shield, if I could
and in this frail cocoon of hope I'd protect the carers from hurt and trauma, oh if I could

If I could there would be no 'shoulds', 
No do this, do that or never ending hats or roles to perform for everyone, to fulfil or norm, or to be the glue, and constant communication stream which feeds the health machine
If I could there'd be a village to support the needs of several in mutual appreciation and care, instead of loneliness isolation and insomniac non restorative sleep, we'd celebrate the tiny joys and relief
If I could I'd share a deep resonating, comforting voice of nostalgic home-comforted care that would embrace everyone who is in pain and need, in the support that THEY said they need
To feel wanted and believed, an individual unto themselves, and seen
If I could