this burden

this burden
so heavy and black
i have been carrying it so long
my back is twisted and bent
my face bows to the ground
and knows not the sun’s grace

this burden,
my burden, squirms like a willful child
trying to escape, treacherous
twining itself around me —
i can not catch my breath

this burden, entirely mine
i would just release it for a moment
and rest,
but it will not unwind

i could go further
if i could only stop a bit.
let me rest this burden, my burden
with you now for a spell.

for in the blink of an eye
i can recover my breath
stretch my face to the sun
and carry on.

just help me hold it
briefly
and i can go on.

–  Rachel Green