NaPoWriMo day three

Edward rested that first night,
to express his grief in a memorable manner
he carried his devoted burden.
This custom was to be universal—
the desire that everywhere men clamored
for a chance to bear.
Feeling that once beautiful remembrance,
Edward rested. A wise decision, for the work
could not be surpassed.
 
*
 
He recalled that twenty years before
the procession stopped
that amazing procession was recorded.
He bore the weight
of surpassing beauty
at every place where her body
rested for a night:
the first,
the second,
the third,
the fourth,
the fifth,
the sixth,
the seventh,
the eight,
the ninth,
the tenth,          
the eleventh,
and last.
 
*
 
the determination
became fixed in the mind
to express doubt.
 
so desired—
on at least one other occasion—
worthy beauty
so well loved,
entrusted to hands,
the work
the sweetest and quietest
a bubbling spring