Poem: It was not enough

It was not enough

All that was done,
the time given,
the dedication to it.
That was the reason,
that was what we gave,
but it is not enough,
is it?  There is always more,
always an obligation,
and never an understanding,
never a chance to explain
or ask for reprieve.
We put aside our needs,
granted you all our attention,
and now we have returned
to be here, to do as we must
for our own needs.
If only you understood,
if only it were possible
for their to be a rest
so we can do as we must.
I am already overwhelmed
by everything else,
and you insist
on making quite certain
there will be even more.

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