Written with Care: Creative Work by Carers
From heartfelt poems to powerful personal reflections, carers share their experiences through creative writing—expressing the joys, struggles, and quiet strength of caring.
"Writing helps me make sense of it all."
Carers’ Poetry
Poem by Soomitra Manekporia
Based on the picture ‘Conversation’ by Naoko Matsubara
Different but the same, Same but different
The Universal language of touch,
Helps me share your world.
Would you like to share mine?
Poem by Soomitra Manekporia
Based on the theme of ‘Hands’
FINGERS AND MY HANDS
I waved goodbye as I crossed the sky, going far far away from mom and dad.
Now my fingers help my hands to carry across my feelings on paper.
Not a paper aeroplane!
But an airmail to mum and dad.
As I comb my hair, I see mum in her chair,
I brush gently and remember to finish off neatly like she always said.
So when I look for mom in her chair,
She gives me a smile
So cheery
Agreeing ... I got it right, it's neat and tight!
Poem by Claire Robinson
Based on the theme of ‘Hands’
She cups my face whenever I arrive
As though I am still a child
She feels my hands and mentions that they are cold
The busy-ness of her hands has now faded
Although fidgeting persists
The well-manicured nails have become jagged
Commanding my attention
She enjoys the pampering experience of a manicure
But will no longer be coaxed to knit
Poem by Claire Robinson
Based on the picture ‘Conversation’ by Naoko Matsubara
The elegance of outstretched fingers
The frisson as they almost touch
The playfulness of opposites attracting
Will they ever become enmeshed?
Poem by Mark Hill
Based on the theme of ‘Hands’
At the beginning the hands are so still
Give them some energy
They move at their will
They govern your life, whatever you do
Whatever you’re doing or going to do
They just keep going, solid as a rock
These hands, oh! These hands of my old ticking clock
Poem by Mark Hill
Based on the picture ‘Conversation’ by Naoko Matsubara
A mirror image of two hands
Very similar yet very different
One can write poetry, a letter or a picture
The other just scribbles, no neatness at all
Poem by Cynthia Thrush
Based on the picture ‘Conversation’ by Naoko Matsubara
No matter what colour you are
Your hands are there to hold and care
Hands are to hold and show friendship
And they are there also to show comradeship
Poem by Cynthia Thrush
Based on the theme of ‘Hands’
My hands have had a lifetime of working
They had also had a lot of playing
My hands have done a lot of knitting
They have also done a load of sewing
But nowadays my hands have become weary
So I just rest and have a cup of tea and become teary
Poem by Sheila Stevens
Based on the theme ‘my relationship with my hands’
The touch that responds and expresses love
Remains beyond time
Today, tomorrow, forever
