She walks the hill to a 12-hour shift
It’s not a job, it’s a calling, it’s a gift
She tends each resident through their dementia and their age
And she does it all on a minimum wage
She is the central hub, ‘round which all life can revolve
In this small-town community, there’s not a problem she can’t solve
She replaces every missing piece, puts a smile on every face
And she does it all with dignity, with selflessness and grace
Her door is always open, it’s been like that for years
And no-one stops to question her sacrifice or tears
For she keeps it all well-hidden, it doesn’t suit her role
Of the rock, the ear, the shoulder, for every other living soul
She walks the hill and sees the winding river flow
With heavy bags around her eyes and in her hands also
She appreciates the beauty in every face and every scene
While thanking God for each day that there has been
She walks the hill, it’s simply there and must be climbed
with a lightness in her step and a joy that most can’t find
It’s a lesson to us all, in this world of stress and speed
That the smaller things in life are the ones we really need
And though God gave her wings to fly, she stays inside her cage
This home-bird is at peace with her place upon life’s stage
And I wish every happiness that fate can send her way
And what she gave me for a short time, I will treasure every day
She walks the hill to another shift
There’s no burden she can’t bear, no weight that she can’t lift
As her failing hands defy all the pressures pushing down
She’s the life, the soul, the victory of this and every town
(Gary Miller)
© 2018 Whippet Records
Copyright Control MCPS/PRS
