burden

how easy i forget in the midst of whine


afterglow and dying embers

when morning light leaves me cleaning out the fireplace


there was warmth in cold of night

there were friends who did not fight

a clear path cut from home to work

no bombs to dodge and yet it lurks


justification of cause for complaint


i have this house to clean

this car to wash

these shoes to shine


these groceries are too heavy

until i realize there are those

who would sell a kidney just

to carry my load.