the weight

The weight He had written two short books needed to show her his work, Not now, she said, I’m watching TV Around the beam that keeps the heaven’s roof from falling, He slung a rope fastened to a scrap iron drum using Himself as a counterweight. He hoisted the drum up, but he was too heavy He carried too much weight of pride. He cried in the night, struggled to get rid of unwanted feelings The drum becomes lighter and descends until He was lifted to the top of the beam, feeling free Of false pride and ambition. Why did you cry so much in the night? they asked He smiled and was at ease with himself and didn’t answer.