Only Calloused Hands

"Everyone shows sympathy. But it is my own heart that will have to endure. Everyone will have a few good words for these children, maybe they will hand them a packet of biscuit but I and their father will have to feed and nurture them so that they can become what we could not. A lot of money was spent during my pregnancy for their birth was through an operation. How much can a metal worker earn? A stubbed toe can cost us our evening meal. A little misstep, a small mistake, a day gone wrong can take a lot away from our livelihood and burden us throughout our living days. Hospitals and soft carpets are not for us. Only calloused hands, numbing pain, and sweaty backs. But as mother-father, we continue, for these kids. With blood in our fingers, crying, never tiring, we continue. We must, for them, for no one knows what love can make you do. But when you have less, love is not enough."