Awaiting Parole

Figures and numbers
Running together,
Everyone wants
Something from me.
I'm only one person
Cannot do everything.
Why cannot someone else
Take some responsibility?
Why should I
Only a granddaughter
Be stuck with all
The errands and care
While my aunt sits
And gloats?
Six years of my life
Given for a pittance,
I cannot renege
But still the frustration
Of always being on call,
Every day every minute.
An impossible dream
To keep granny happy
She knows not that state
And never will.
The best I can do
Is be sure she is cared for
No thanks no praise,
No respect no glory.
Menial job mostly,
Far below my abilities.
Still here I am,
Waiting on parole.
Locked in a prison
Of my own making,
Though the foundation
Was laid many years prior.
Few people understand
Who have not lived it
And the jailer
If she was kind
It would be easier
It grates on my nerves,
Some days, some nights
Why a person so cold
So uncaring and distant
Should deserve this care.
Still here I am
Awaiting parole.

Laura R
1-30-03