let those whose troubles
have been overcome
pass freely,
for they have earned
this right.

as to the rest of us,
may we find the
strength to softly
lay our burdens down,
a place where others,
who may come upon them
in passing,
will not be tempted
to take them as their own.
but will instead
know to smile
and carry on.

for if there is one less
who struggles
there is one more
who is free
to meet upon the way.