Hope. Kept

Hope. Candle’s flame in the wind. When faith and truth collide
An island in the stormy seas. As gale erupts worldwide
Endurance in the ordeal’s face. That keeps one getting up
When everything we know so well just seem be blown up

Hope’s what you have. If you are lost and left with nothing more
An anchor holding ship at bay, it wouldn’t be kicked offshore
The lifeline. Prayer and support. One harbors it inside
It counters fear, gloom and panic as trouble hits broadside

We live through time not well known. Details are yet defined
And yearn for guidance and foothold, that aren’t still assigned
Yes, we are smart and know it all, and humans will prevail
But suddenly we are so small on nature’s own scale

What’s hope to you? Desire held? A crutch, a fad or nonsense? 
An intuition of events to come, that borders on subconscious?
Folks want their lives back. Their dreams. Ain’t nothing more important
Anticipation gives us wings. As things are being sorted

A mom-to-be dreams of the child she is bringing onto Earth
To grow guarded against ills, and by her side from birth
Kids hope of playing ball with friends, now scattered by the squall
Expat and traveller alike, they wish be heading home

The farmer cherished optimism, he hopes for better crop
Plankton of office dreams of work, plants growing on desk top
Young lovers torn apart are yearning for a kiss. Investor wants
A big return. Dow’s positive response

Grandparents – see the little ones. Ward’s doctor – fewer deaths
Researcher seeks results desired in next week’s vaccine tests
A dying man hopes to be saved. A young one wants a date
And politician? Gain your trust when promises are made

The poet dreams that someone reads this verse, and others, too
To be set free. Humane reasons, wants prisoner, that’s true
Cat hopes apartment to herself, go back to work, oh meow
Barman - for ‘happy hour’ to return. Not later, wants it now!

The hope has many different faces. What’s true – it’s only one
For things to go our way. Bad times to be undone
Ambition leading to results, needs more than words and pray
Achieve the goal means do one’s part. With hope, anyway

The burning candle wards off darkness. As beacon hope is known
And when reality meets faith, don’t let it to be blown
Anticipation unfurls sail, with or without breeze
So we are ready. Win the fight, the moment must be seized

The better days shall return, how soon – one can’t foresee
We will go home, live longer, love. Unlikely carefree
Bonds would be lifted, one by one, as time motions forth
May hope be our silent guide, on planet we call Earth

May 14, 2020
New York, USA
© by Edward Kritsky