Still life
His room downstairs.
Her room upstairs.
Handed over at the lift,
he escorts her to entertainment,
sits on the sofa at the back,
arm around her neck
as in their Geaumont days.
Loving her stiff half-smile,
hint of serenity.
The way you look tonight
He sings along, taps
a rhythm on her shoulder,
knocking on her closed door.
Always looking for a way in
- photos, pets, poetry.
She used to be an artist;
wall to wall canvases
in a disposed-of-home.
In art therapy on Mondays,
she chews the paintbrush bristles,
slips pastels down her socks,
doesn't wave at her husband
framed in the doorway.
By Valerie Fry
Latest updates
News
Scotland’s National Carer Organisations launch election manifesto
07 November 25
Carers Scotland and the National Carer Organisations have launched a Carers Manifesto ahead on the 2026 Scottish Election.
Press Release
Carers UK marks 60 years of the carers’ movement and women’s leadership at Mary Webster Lecture
05 November 25
Carers UK marked a significant milestone in its 60th anniversary year with the final event in its national Mary Webster Lecture series, a powerful celebration of six decades of progress in recognising and supporting unpaid carers across the UK.
Press Release
Carers UK response: Publication of Sir Charlie Mayfield’s Keep Britain Working Review
05 November 25
The report highlights the Department for Work and Pensions recent estimate that the cost to the economy of unpaid carers being out of paid work is a staggering £37 billion a year
Press Release
Half of Wales’ Unpaid Carers Now Cutting Back on Essentials Amid Deepening Crisis / Hanner Gofalwyr Di-dâl Cymru Nawr yn Torri’n Ôl ar Hanfodion yng Nghanol Argyfwng sy’n Dyfnhau
03 November 25
Got a question about caring?
Every day we hear from people who need help with looking after a friend or family member
Become a member for free
Joining Carers UK is free and takes just a few minutes.