The Burden of Love

I bear an unseen burden constantly; Waking or sleeping I can never thrust The load aside; through summer’s heat and dust And winter’s snows it still abides with me. I cannot let it fall, though I should be Never so weary; carry it I must. Nor can the bands that bind it on me rust Or break, nor ever shall I be set free. Sometimes ’t is heavy as the weight that bore Atlas on giant shoulders; sometimes light As the frail message of the carrier dove; But, light or heavy, shifting nevermore. What is it thus oppressing, day and night? The burden, dearest, of a mighty love.

Collection: 
English
Lucy White Jennison

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