Sisyphus

Each day I spend a little time with my friend Sisyphus in the morning,
He tries his best to give me advice or at least to offer up a warning.

He can tell by the way I work that sometimes I spin my wheels,
Trying hard to get somewhere and he knows exactly how it feels.

The harder you push to get something done the bigger the task becomes,
Until it’s nearly impossible to get it right and you feel like you’re all thumbs.

He tells me just to do my best and to keep my nose pressed to the stone,
And try to remember that there’re others in the race and I am not alone.

Then he wishes me well and tells me he has an uphill battle to fight,
And as long as he isn’t flattened by the rock he thinks he’ll be alright.

Sometimes I listen to him and to the things that he has to say,
But other times I stop to think that there must be a better way.

Because if all there is to living is to go to work and each day grow a little older,
Then you’ve missed the point and you’ve already been flattened by the boulder.

So I look for things that bring me joy and add them to my day,
And eventually those little bits of color block out the shades of gray.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Mister Roboto Avatar
November 9, 2011 at 7:09 AM
Very peculiar name on this guy...Sisyphus....I think you are spot on with the words on not working too much. I just watched a little youtube video with my 8 yr old on a fisherman in some island land who runs into a financial adviser who tries to persuade him into getting a bigger boat for fishing, then a fleet of ships, a huge company,,,,Yah dee yah, Anyways, moral of the story is being a millionaire don't buy you quality time w/ fam and happiness, faith ect. Good video for the kid tho'!
Song Avatar
October 23, 2011 at 3:43 PM
A mythological wonder, dear Tony! A wonderful message is embedded that is sooo pertinent to today. Just as Latin is not a dead language, neither is the relevance of lessons learned thru mythology! JUst curious...did u enter my alliteration contest...a few spots left....it's blind judging, so I don't know if u have...don't miss out! :) Gwendolen
Macmillan Avatar
October 21, 2011 at 10:03 PM
Okay, this just "ROCKS" sorry, had to say it ;-) Wonderous use of mythology, the images, the message and the relevance for today. I have been thinking of Icarus, myself... always the quest for balance.... this is just stellar stuff, Tony. The last two lines ring for me like one of those tibetan singing bowls. Cheers and all, Cyndi
Jones Avatar
October 22, 2011 at 4:51 PM
lol@rocks
Jones Avatar
October 21, 2011 at 4:26 PM
I sisyphussed out years ago... mostly under the influence of Camus. shades of grey beat black and white, but color wins hands down! Happy trails, namaste~N
Dietrich Avatar
October 21, 2011 at 10:31 AM
Nice one, Tony. And good advice poem too!
Kendrick Avatar
October 21, 2011 at 9:49 AM
I especially like the last two lines..If we have a positive attitude about life, all goes better..Enjoyed reading this morn..Thanks for the kind review of my work..Sara
A   Avatar
October 21, 2011 at 8:53 AM
three cheers for sisyphus and four for you p.d.
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