atlas, sky-carrier

i'm sorry, Atlas, the sky must weigh so much 
on your shoulders. 
don't let go. not yet. it will kill everyone, if you let go. 

a punishment, the gods called it, 
and you carried storms and stars and planets 
because you were strong, you are so strong, 
of course you can take on more. 

how long have you suffered for your crimes? 
your daughters tend to your garden, just out of reach. 
you will never embrace them the way you once did. 
forget the pain. keep going on. this will end eventually. 

lay down your load, Atlas. 
you have done enough. 
we've all had practice in bearing the world. 
let us take on your celestial burden.