A poem written for SLAM finale round 1 |
Atlas was a Titan, one of the first born sons of earth. He mistakenly took his brother's side in a war against Zeus and for punishment, was made to hold the heavens up with a pillar on his shoulders. Heracles (his Latin name is Hercules) gave him a break by taking his place and sending him for the Golden Apples of Hesperides. Sometimes 'neath this heavy burden, I cry out for relief, Though love encircles the pillar That I stand underneath. Like Atlas, I stand, load laden, My charge, your lives to hold. For you, I am responsible To stand and not to fold. My loves, your smiles lend strength to these Sore muscles when they ache. Your laughter powers up my soul To stop the pillar's shake. My five sweet, beautiful children, Your care's a hero's task. I love you, even when the pain Belies the hero's mask. At times like these, I really need A hero of my own, To take this burden for a while, Give me some time alone, A little time to stretch my legs And bend my aching knees. And so I stand, unitil he comes, My valiant Heracles. This is written in a modified Ballad form (minus a refrain) with a 8,6 syllabic pattern throughout. |