Burdened

The weight of burdens, self-imposed, they bind,

Unreachable stars, a restless, searching mind.

The inner critic, with its cruel refrain,

Dimming the embers of hope's sweet, gentle rain.

Stumbles and falls, etched deep within the soul,

Victories forgotten, left to lose control.

The neighbor's greener grass, a taunting gleam,

Blinding the beauty of our own life's stream.

But wait, a whisper, a strength begins to rise,

To challenge the darkness, to question the lies.

Break down the giants, those mountains we create,

Into smaller steps, a more manageable gate.

Silence the critic, with kindness take its place,

Replace with affirmations, a smile on your face.

Learn from the stumbles, for wisdom they bring,

And celebrate victories, the small songs they sing.

Shifting the focus, from what others possess,

To the richness within, the heart's own happiness.

Gratitude's compass, a guiding, steady light,

To navigate darkness and find your own way, bright.

So rise, weary traveler, the path's not yet done,

But with each conquered challenge, a victory won.

For even in defeat, a seed of strength may lie,

To bloom with resilience, and reach for the sky.