Atlas on Her Knees by Margaret V. Doran
Atlas on Her Knees
Margaret V.Doran
We see him: Atlas,
all strength and endurance
Atlas,
muscular manifestation
carrying the weight of the world
only slightly bent from the burden
Atlas,
fixed with no chance of surcease
countenance of resignation
are there sweat drops on his brow?
Yet the world on his shoulders is small - in perspective - held
by the life-size Atlas
The troubles in my world are large -
huge in perspective; close
and Atlas is powerless to shoulder them
God can carry the load, but I want
strong, human shoulders to cry on
and warm, comforting arms to hold me
and a gentle touch to dry my tears
and soft words renew my hope
I need all these things from such a well of strength
that even the world-bearing Atlas is feckless
so let him shrug
for I found a new Atlas - with no rippling muscles
who cannot bear the weight of even a small globe
yet has the might to carry the anguish
of the world
My Atlas draws power from God
not bent from the burden
but bowed before the Lord
with a countenance of joy
a spirit of grace
a mind at ease
a heart filled with patience
From her I draw comfort
and peace
and love
and all the things that keep my anxiety at bay
and make my troubles small - in perspective -
as God’s gifts flow to me through
her tender ministrations
I am renewed in spirit
for she receives strength and wisdom from God
and generously gives it away
sharing her mercies
And none is stronger than my Atlas -
on her knees;
than Hazel, my prayer warrior
Written for Hazel Danielson, matriarch of my church family.
Copyright © 1998 Margaret V. Doran. All rights reserved.
If you enjoyed this poem, please send her an e-mail here. 
Updated November 15, 1998
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