Hope, I need a word…
You seem to be a feeble creature
flitting like a mayfly just above water
delicately quivering
with anticipation.
A bird within a human cage encrusted with desires,
perhaps impossible to reach.
Hope,
you’re a hope-less thing
aimlessly fluttering down winding lanes
blinkered by hawthorn hedges,
drifting over heather moors
blanketed in fog,
stumbling through darkening woods
overwhelmed by fallen larches.
Lost;
you left the map behind
not thinking.
You sing the sweetest, tempting song
as if you must be cherished;
a linnet, in a human cage,
who is afraid to fly.
With a tune that has no words you lie
and wait to gamble with uncertain futures —
Oh, little thing with fragile feathers
you’ve clipped my wings!
You’re stalked by Fear
who follows you down
a never ending dead-end track;
a loaded gun is pointed at your back.
And Faith’s deceptive warming breath
blinds you with the finest dust
expecting unconditional devotion;
encouraging trust
in Superstition.
Teased by glow-worm flashes
flickering possibilities,
you flounder with these three
bumping into Disappointment
in the dark.
I’m angry with you Hope!
I nurtured you now I can see
you’ve joined the wrong gang.
It’s time to fly with truer friends.
Let go of Fear and hold the hand of Reason,
she really wants to be your friend.
Re-gain control with Understanding,
who’s standing at your shoulder with her books.
Sit tight on the back of Courage,
digging your heels into this stallion’s sides —
don’t think of turning back.
Together with these three
you can choose a route across a different map,
can find a more supportive way
to plan a realistic,
hope-full path.