The Things Nobody Sees
This year’s theme for Black History Month is “Honouring Our Communities,” celebrating local networks, everyday individuals, and grassroots organizations that strengthen British society. Sandwell Carer, CF, shares his caring experience through poetry.
The kettle sings before first light. Another day, another fight.
The world still sleeps, the streets are still, but love gets up through strength of will.
The neighbours smile, “You keeping well?”
I grin; there’s too much left to tell. They see the smile upon my face, not every step I have to trace. GP letters, stacked so high, forms to fill and reasons why. Appointments moved, another queue, yet somehow I keep pulling through. The phone it says, “Press one, press two.” I’ve learned the script before it’s through. The music loops, the minutes crawl, yet hope still answers every call.
Then comes the storm without a sign: ‘Don’t come around!’ ‘dont take what’s mine?
The words cut deep; they leave it’s mark, but illness lerks within her dark.
And so I breathe instead of shout.
Let anger burn itself right out.
When calm returns, I see once more the sister always loved at core.
I’m not a saint; my patience slips.
Some days I bite my tongue my lips.
I sit inside the car and pray.
Then wipe my eyes and walk her way.
For love’s not proved by perfect days, but by returning anyways. Not loud enough for crowds to cheer; just quiet footsteps year by year.
Then she’ll smile straighten her coat; ‘
That’s what I meant she’ll proudly quote. She’ll dust herself in quiet grace,
a cheeky grin upon her face.
We both would laugh till worry fades; another memory gently made.
The years roll back without a sound;
It my big sister’s once more found. One knowing smile, one gentle tease.
One precious moment full of ease. Funny how life has changed our part; she shaped my world right from the start.
I steady her thoughts from day to day
the way she once showed me the way. Some days are heavy, long and slow.
Some days I simply don’t want to go.
Yet every morning starts anew, and somehow love keeps shining through.
My sister’s story may sound like thine,
Yet countless hearts walk that same line.
A mum, a dad, husband, wife, a brother, friend scaffolding life.
A daughter caring through the night, a son who helps with all his might.
A neighbour quietly standing near, giving hope instead of fear. So if that’s you then hear me say, you’re seen though few may say today.
The load you carry isn’t small; your kindness helps to steady all.
When no one sees the things you do, love still shines because of you.
No medals hang; no crowds applaud, yet every act is seen by the Lord
So rest when weary; stand once more.
Ask for help; it’s not a flaw.
Together, hearts grow strong and free; no carer walks alone, you see.
And if tonight your hope feels small, remember this above it all.
The greatest love this world may see… lives in the things nobody sees.
CF
#BlackHistoryMonth #BHM2026 #HonouringOurCommunities
