Load Bearer

[nairways]

Long way yet to porters' rest
A moment's succor be found;
Sweet relief for atrophied tendrils;
Burning skin to cool a bit;
Sun's relentless foundry;
Churning up radiation.

Trudging up pitted tracks;
Dare not backward glance;
Load on head, load on heart;
Burden of hopelessness prevail;
Grotesque mouths open wide;
In silent prayer they subsist !

Rested, on move, carrying his grain
Feet stagger, neck creaking ominously
This day cannot repeat;
Out of gloom, destination looms;
Specter from beyond at twilight;

In a dream, he plods on;
At journey's end, relief at last;
Criers tempo reach crescendo;
Aroma of death like fragrance of roses;
Loads shift in eternal peace !

[Ray Trivedi]

---

[barrie]

It's over there, in a box!