The Mule

The journey itself is burdened

glorious plans

beautiful spectacles

and the weight that comes

with all of it —

The journey itself is burdened

chock full

of the places

and all the faces

we miss each day —

The journey itself is burdened

all the things we carry

remembered things

and the forgotten

alike upon our shoulders —

The journey itself is burdened

until a careless moment

a shift

a shrug

to lighten our load – Caroline A. Slee