exceeds all legal limits
of a bridge.
You cannot cross it
to the other side.
The crushing weight
of granite grief
will split the spans and
send you spiraling down.
Unless (and
I am no engineer)
the load is
properly distributed
on this barren,
buckling asphalt,
heaving under
the weight
of your shattered,
tear-stained heart.
Yes, we will bear the burden
with you-
even it on our shoulders
like so many wheeled containers,
transporting anguish
across state lines.
We will help to bear the
cargo of pain
that's sent you
careening across this
four lane stretch,
out of fuel
bereft of even water.
empty.
A load this great must be borne over a
life's length of days.
And we will wait
on the other side
heads atilt,
looking for your coming
as you cross
waving you on
with signs that
say "Rest Ahead."
And
we
will
help
you
rest.
~~~~~~~~
Linking with dverse Pub for Open Link Night #75.
More healing words there. And prompted by this,
"...whatever portion of sadness that we can share with you
to ease this heavy load, we will gladly bear it."
President Barack Obama, Dec. 15, 2012,
from speech at Newtown Memorial for the children.
wow evocative piece...i think many feel that crushing this week...the weight evenly distributed...great wisdom in that...we can not carry it alone....
ReplyDeleteThis was powerful and (thankfully) optimistic. It's a real talent to find the light among the gray, and your poem is a real joy to read. God bless you and Happy Christmas. - Mosk
ReplyDeleteI found this a strong poem, very well written, and just right on such a difficult subject. I couldn't start to write about it myself.
ReplyDeleteYes, we will. Powerful piece!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Laurie. Bless you.
DeleteBeautiful poem. I thought Obama's words very beautiful too- the problem is how do we help them bear it. That, I do not know. Your piece is lovely though. k
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karin....and how? I've thought about that (as I am a country width away from Connecticut). One way is it's made me more aware of just listening to people tell their stories of tragedy. Somewhere in the text of the Presiden'ts words he said that--honoring people by lessening the load by listening.
DeleteAnd we all have a story to tell of tragedy and calamity of one kind or another.
Hope you are well.