Hope Lives

In the eyes of the abused
women and children, dejected, used,
survivors determined to succeed
concealing wounds that never bleed.


In the hearts of widows and lonely souls
eager for love to make them whole,
in crowded asylums, foster care
abandoned children everywhere,
                hope lives. 


It's evident in daughters and sons
who escaped death by lethal guns
then testify how they forgive
and pray for those who did not live. 


In cardboard shacks whole families stay, 
in rusty cars they live and pray.
Hope has no face, not rich or poor
but lives in peace, lives in war. 


Our spirits thrive on this belief 
it fills our emptiness, soothes our grief.
We trust in better things to come
with the promise of tomorrow 


at least for some, 
                hope lives..

© 2000 Susan Maree Jeavons

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