Self-Reliance

Experience speaks louder than idealism

I do not speak for the unfortunate

Or cry for those who have not

I am not your prophet

I am not your voice

You must carry your buckets of sorrow

As I have carried mine

 

And in the carrying

Your arms will grow hard and muscled

Your back strong and straight

Beneath its weight you find

Endurance for one more step

Hope for one more day

And faith that somewhere

There is a place waiting

Where you will put down your burden

And be free

 

And when you reach that home

When your foot hits the doorstep

Drop your buckets

Pour out your sorrow

Empty your last efforts

From rafters to floor

From front door to back

Let it out

Let it flow

From a trickle to a flood

Then when empty at last

Speak

And you will be heard

 

-Zoe Richardson

Author's Note

Don't run with scissors. Call your mother. Thanks for reading and commenting!

Reviews

[barleygirl]

I've never been the person people come to, to cry on my shoulder. I've conveyed what you're saying here by the way I conduct myself around others. Being around me is like being around a rock when one was hoping for a lake. Besides your core message about everyone becoming stronger by shouldering their own burdens, for me it's the purely selfish -- there's so much I would rather be doing in this exciting fulsome life than commiserating with someone's bellyaching. Typically people who bellyache are not looking for a way to make anything better, but just a sponge to absorb their junk (((HUGS)))

[Zoe Richardson]

If you want someone to listen to you, whoever you are, you need experience to speak from. If all you are is complaining without trying, no one gives a tinker's cuss. When we shoulder our burdens, we gain strength and wisdom and so much more. Then, when do speak about it, people know we aren't complaining. We are telling the story of how we made it through, and offering a gift of encouragement. Thank you so much for your insight, and for your strength!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

well, I just love your poetry, Zoe!
Yes, we have to carry our own burdens, no one will do that for us. But if we do, and we survive, we can speak from experience...and I have found from teaching that students will listen and relate to that.
j.

[Zoe Richardson]

That's the key, isn't it? When you acquire strength, and overcome your hardships, you have something to say that is worth listening to. Otherwise, you are just complaining!

[LostSage]

ok this is absolutely gorgeous writing...I will not dispute that....it brings a tear to mine eye...but you and I are so so very very opposite... I rely on all the friends I can get...and you are one of them...get used to it dahling...have a wonderful day my sweety friend muah

[Zoe Richardson]

It's more about proving your worth to yourself than rejecting help from others. When you are bent down, burdened, and think you can't go on, you can. Hold your head up, and keep moving forward. Those are the experiences that strengthen us and teach us valuable lessons. I am very grateful for your friendship, and for your kind, encouraging words!

[LostSage]

yes dear whatever you say...I think I got strengthened enough...I feel no need to prove anything to anyone including myself...when you get to the door.....drop your buckets down....and I want a kiss on the cheek...cause I earned it for having to put up with you....Ok highest royal drama queen girl?

[Zoe Richardson]

And where is the tag that says this was written for you, personally? There are young whippersnappers out there who think the world should be handed to them on a silver platter. This poem is for them. If it doesn't apply to you, move along to the next one. I'm not a hundred percent sure you know what the term 'drama queen' means, if you think I am dramatic. I spent my life with prima donnas. i do my best to avoid that kind of behavior.

[LostSage]

oh sorry I thought this was just for me