Coming First

They tell you in an airplane
If you see the dangling masks,
Place one on your own face first;
Yet somebody always asks,

“Well, then, what about my children
Or my spouse, who’s old and frail?
Shouldn’t I take care of them before
My own needs should prevail?”

Yet the answer is consistent –
We must place ourselves ahead
For we cannot care for others
If our strength seeps out instead.

Such a lesson should be taken
To all aspects of our lives:
Those who sacrifice too much may find
The soul no longer thrives.

So no matter who may need us,
Though our love may be dispersed,
We'll have so much more for giving
If we tend to ourselves first.