Hope's Flame

In that place before the dawn

When darkness dims a polished smile

I hear the words that bruised and stung

They echo bitter in my cell.



Then sorrow blows and lifts my veil

And I allow the hurt to breathe

Deep and strong, the fear takes rule

I cling and claw, fight off the death



With the sun the scene resets

I venture out among the loved

My hope a small and fragile flame

That bathes my scars in healing balm.



I ache to touch, to feel caressed

With eyes of want I watch and wait

And love that never had its day

I guard its key and keep it warm.