Truths I Tell Myself to Lighten the Load

author’s note:

I’ve learned to enjoy the daily grind.


TRUTHS I TELL MYSELF TO LIGHTEN THE LOAD

If indeed
the path we’re on is the path we need
then apparently, I need
a path that’s hard to see—
apparently, I need
to continually struggle
to find my way—

to search all around
with my back bent down
by a big burden bequeathed to me at birth.

Okay, but why do I need what I need?

Well, after some consideration
I do see these benefits for the soul:

Because I was given a gnarly maze
instead of a clear straight line
I have worked hard to find
the truth hidden deep within the center.

And because I was given
such a shoulder load
I have worked hard to find
the strength hidden deep within me.

Yeah, that stone grinds me down
but as I lose I uncover
the me beneath the surface—
I discover more of who I am.

Good to remind myself of these truths
because when I do the weight seems to ease a bit.
And if I then feel the need
for a little extra lift
I’ll dream this possibility:

someone lost could someday learn
from the lessons I’ll leave in my wake—
they’ll be able to see how
I eventually arrived
at the deep core of my being.

Maybe they’ll get a lift
when they read
how strong I felt then—so strong
my millstone
seemed light as a pebble.

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