SLAM!

Atlas was a Titan, one of the first born sons of earth. He mistakenly took his brother's side in a war against Zeus and for punishment, was made to hold the heavens up with a pillar on his shoulders. Heracles (his Latin name is Hercules) gave him a break by taking his place and sending him for the Golden Apples of Hesperides.

"Wanted: Heracles" 
Sometimes 'neath this heavy burden,
I cry out for relief,
Though love encircles the pillar
That I stand underneath.

Like Atlas, I stand, load laden,
My charge, your lives to hold.
For you, I am responsible
To stand and not to fold.

My loves, your smiles lend strength to these
Sore muscles when they ache.
Your laughter powers up my soul
To stop the pillar's shake.

My five sweet, beautiful children,
Your care's a hero's task.
I love you, even when the pain
Belies the hero's mask.

At times like these,I really need
A hero of my own,
To take this burden for a while,
Give me sometime alone,

A little time to stretch my legs
And bend my aching knees.
And so I stand, until he comes,
My valiant Heracles.



This poem is written in a modified Ballad form (minus a refrain) with an 8,6 syllabic pattern.