Be Gentle with Yourself

And when the day begins
yet the bed remains a calling
you’re not wrong to lie in
be gentle with yourself

That long list that beckons
all the things that you have to do
yet a cup of tea is all you want
be gentle with yourself

The floors that need a-sweeping
the windows all blur and grubby
but you’ve spent an hour chatting
be gentle with yourself

The kid’s homework not done
the supper slightly burnt
yet the family is all one
be gentle with yourself

It’s early in the morning
an ungodly hour truly told
yet it’s your quiet peaceful time
be gentle with yourself

The things you choose to pay for
often his, and theirs, never yours
always putting others first
be gentle with yourself

We do all deserve better
than that we’re led to believe
to trust in our own value
be gentle with yourself

~ Li-ling Ooi
6 April 2020