Unseen sacrifices

In shadows cast by dimming light

I sacrifice the day and night.

I give myself to those I love

Yet find no solace from above.

I lay before my brothers’ need,

The last of food, my heart's own bleed.

They waste the gifts that I bestow

While hunger carves a hollowed woe.

My body reveals the toll I pay,

As stress and sorrow steal away

The strength that once was mine to keep

Now buried deep in sleepless sleep.

I weep and watch my spirit fray,

As praise eludes me, night and day.

Their voices harsh where thanks should be

Yet still I toil unceasingly.

In silent pain, I tend and care

A love unthanked, a burden rare.

For family’s sake, my heart I give

And wonder what it means to live.