Burdens great to bear

I worry and I fear,

I need and I want.

I am anxious;

I could lose everything.

I am free;

I am burdened.

Some burdens are my own creation;

I tell myself that I am dealing with them.

Others I have received,

unwelcome gifts weighing heavily

upon shrinking shoulders,

from Scribes and from Pharisees,

who, in every age,

know with certainty what is best for me

I am burdened;

I am free.

To feel, decide

to do, to don’t.

To open wide;

to will, to won’t

To bleed, to weep;

to give, to keep.

To rage, to rail;

to struggle, fail.

Listening to the silence

with eyes half-opened,

mind half-closed.

Seeing the ugly,

reaching after beauty,

coveting truth,

questioning.

I am free,

I am burdened.

Holding on to freedom,

letting go the burdens.

Holding on to burdens,

letting go the freedom.

© Ken Rookes 2014