Andrew Boutte

Atlas

I often feel that I should be as strong as Atlas

The titan who carried the sky on his shoulders 

For I carry many worlds, just like everyone else

The burden feels heavy, crushing my joints until

They can take no more weight

The sweat runs down my brow

Mixing with the tears I’d long given up on

I carry my own world, and those the other build for me

I carry my future family’s world,

And the ones who sacrificed themselves to put me here

I carry my friend’s world, the responsibility set for me

Even if it never existed in the first place.

Yet every time someone asks what’s wrong,

I do my best to shrug under my burden, 

Knowing only I can carry my weight.