Burden

There is no burden as heavy

As effort left unmatched by success

Even minor success that provides just enough

Hope and promise to get by with one’s head

Not even held high

But simply not downcast in shame

And weakness

For having to ask for help

Again, and again, and again

There is no burden as heavy

As the heart broken by

Misplaced dreams and desires

Manifested by a pure heart and intention

Trying so hard to believe in oneself

While surrounded by others who mock,

Jeer and feel immense satisfaction

From the suffering they have caused others

Feeling it is payment due for merely existing

In their world

For breathing, for living

While they enjoy putting out their foot

And tripping those less fortunate

Getting joy from watching them

Stumble and fall

And lay broken

On the ground

They laugh. They laugh. They laugh.

With such self-righteous merriment

There is no burden as heavy

As the weight on scraped knees

That fall to the ground every night praying

To Jesus and the Father

For some reprieve,

Just some relief

But it never comes

The burden is heavy

It is real and crushing

Eventually it can no longer

Be lifted by faith and hope

Or overcome by determination

There is no burden as heavy

As trying desperately

Not to be a burden

Am I a burden?

- Julie O'Hara 2023

Thank you for reading my poem or article. Please feel free to subscribe to see more content and if you are moved to, please consider tipping. In addition, my books can be found at https: Julie O'Hara Bookshop