Withered walk that betrays a tale,
Stumbled forward, fallen back.
Every step now smaller than the last,
Under this carried cross unfair.

See the millstone grind its weight
Upon shoulders worn and frail.
No peace, just pain;
A broken boy behind that smile.

Let him pass on fragile ground,
Ever on toward his breaking point.
Watch that weight he carried far
Come welcome crashing down.

Tom Lefort - August 2025.