Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Lucy WhiteJennison

1029 The Burden of Love

I BEAR an unseen burden constantly;

Waking or sleeping I can never thrust

The load aside; through summer’s heat and dust

And winter’s snows it still abides with me.

I cannot let it fall, though I should be

Never so weary; carry it I must.

Nor can the bands that bind it on me rust

Or break, nor ever shall I be set free.

Sometimes ’t is heavy as the weight that bore

Atlas on giant shoulders; sometimes light

As the frail message of the carrier dove;

But, light or heavy, shifting nevermore.

What is it thus oppressing, day and night?

The burden, dearest, of a mighty love.