Trying to Grind the Heart's Load

Loved ones whom I cannot help as I'd like--
daughters, sisters, wife, and friends.
Is Love like riding a bike?--

Well, in some ways like, in some unlike--
automatic--Look, ma, no hands!--
said when I didn't help you as I'd like.

Love an unsparing task-maker?
The answer depends
naught on what kind of bike

you're riding (maybe one of those recliner trikes?)--
all powered by a pedaled chain
trying the help as I'd like.

But all the pedal pushers are on strike--
I don't know what complaint
they have with their employers who provided them with their bikes

in the first place. And it's discouraging to think of what our lives will be like,
trying to raise the Mary Ellen Carter, if we get the bends--
just trying to help as we'd like.

Our love and concern for one another must bear full price.
No exoneration may we demand
when we fail to provide the help that we'd like
because mud is surrounding the spokes of our bike.



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