Team Ahimsa Blog Relay, Various Contests

The Load

Words: 172
Lines: 32
"PromptMaster !" 
Task Prompt:
Use hyperbole to write a poem about a minor inconvenience. Make it an epic struggle worthy of legend.

"Stay balanced," The Buddha preached
"Keep to the middle road."
I thought of this advice as I
carried my heavy load.

All eyes were on me
I could feel each stare
"I'm in the spotlight
and so harsh is its glare."

My burden, on my tiny hand
Did weigh me down
But on my face I kept a smile
I would neither cry nor frown.

The thin line I trod
One foot in front of the other
Disaster awaited a tremble
or the slightest shake or shudder.

Collectively they held their breath
My own breathing was rapid
What if I were to trip and fall?
What if my foot slipped?

The goal was coming into view
A few short steps to go now
"Don't waver, don't stop,
You can achieve this, and how!"

Finally — I was there
I closed my eyes in relief
A million conflicting emotions
Of which gratitude was chief.

Now all can applaud, can cheer
"Hip Hip Hurray!
You carried a full plate
to your table, from the buffet!"