Trudgery

beads of perspiration mark trails
paths of necessary vigilance
arms stretch outward
balancing shoulds, oughts
marking delicate steps along the precipice
of doubt

muscles constrict, pounding
rhythms of familar excuses
tasks that move eternally forward
memories align harshly
jagged anguish and withered cravings
scream rebellious threats
of unwillingness

meanwhile

gentle wisps of liberated mist rise
lifting once bound possibilities
from soil and stone now
rising
supportive caresses
steady goes the step

a small fragment of life's weighty matter
falls
unburdening enough
of the moment