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'Ever Grateful'
A poem to my social worker, by David Grimm. Student Social Worker, Poet & Artist.
Let me say that I finally understand.
When you ruled my life, I used to cry. Years went by and I would tell myself lies. They never came because they just didn’t care, the social worker dodged me just for games, they called and told me to stay, do not leave, so, in the hallway I’d sit and wait…and wait...and wait. During school hours so restricted from play, not allowed outside, or to talk to my friends, because…you said to stay home.
You said you’d come. I begged you not to let me down. Yet, once again… You. Didn’t. Show.
I’m an adult now and it’s taken several moons, many childish flights of rage. A deluge of tears almost drowned me as the nights took hold of my brain.
Sprouting from my parents failure came an anger-soaked sapling, deep in my heart. You gave it food, and it burst through the walls. Seeped into my blood, my muscles, and my mind.
In my tiny world, you were omnipotent, and you treated me like a pawn.
I would like you to know that I have moved on, I’m happy now, I accept that you meant me no harm, not even a bit. In fact, I know you were off helping my friends.
A hero that had to leave me in pain because you just could not say. The champion of the real, restrained from shining. I am sorry I judged you.
Thank you. From the bottom of my now happy heart. Thank you. Without your influence in my fragile little world, I wouldn’t be the man I am today. It may have been a generation since I’ve locked eyes with you. Until the day I die, I will never forget the way you spoke, the way you walked, the way you looked, and the way you made me feel.
You will live forever in the back of my mind, as a golden little light that takes the edge from my darker times. A lighthouse, keeping my light and warm memories from crashing in the rocks of my mental health.
So, let me just say, I am thankful, I am grateful, and I finally understand.
