Sad Girl
by Laeticia Elise, MSW
she remembered nothing
except...
that her father was
dead
and she was alone
in this world
resigned to her fate
the police brought her to a place
she did not know
what for
they told her she was sick
and weak
left her there
shut the door
i want to go home, to my home!
i don’t want to stay here
everyone looks different...
nothing seems
familiar
she remembers a pair of hands
no, not hers, someone else’s
supporting her
holding her up
rearranging the pieces
it was becoming easier
to smile and dream once more
they said she was getting better
better than how she was before
but...
everything seemed to move
too fast
she felt she couldn’t keep up
one day it all came crashing down
unexpected blowup
she thought she would slip
through the cracks
no one would look for her
would anyone still remember?
wait
there was...
the social worker
she used to think there was no one
who cared enough to see the
person
behind
the patient
behind
the malady
but now she knew
there was someone
who would be there for her
who could provide her with support
walk down this path with her
have her best interests at heart
respecting
affirming
validating
empowering
making sure she doesn't fall apart
she remembers
the helping hands
which sought to
assist her
the eyes that witnessed her own pain
belonged to her social worker
Laeticia Elise
Laeticia Elise
Laeticia Elise is a medical social worker based in Singapore. She says, "It took me a long time to find my life's calling, but I never regretted it at any time, despite the pain and frustrations that are inherent in this job. I am in a uniquely privileged position, because I am often a witness to my clients' transformation and sometimes, emancipation."