I recently attended an event for carers who also work. It could be that folk care for those who are young, or who are elderly or with a long term condition which affects their daily living, whilst at the same time needing to work to make ends meet, yes, and also to be themselves in the world.

The facilitator opened with the line ‘I am surrounded by swans, elephants and egg shells’ and looking round the room of mostly women, I thought yes. Exactly.

On Caring

Do not mistake the swans’ composure for aloofness nothing left for 
extreme politeness 

Beware the silhouette by the window casting shadows of the 
elephant in the room

Watch out for egg shells beneath your feet
look up if you can 
allow eyes to meet 

Try not to mistake the swans composure for aloofness, see 
Be aware of the elephant in the room, listen
Notice the egg shells beneath her feet, 
tend to them