The Hopeless

as youth fades, it becomes clear
our bell curve leaves us destined to the dark
we are, of course, unaware in infancy
and through childhood, sunny or rocky, there is only life
the horizon, even during horrific tribulation,
proves substantial, with no sign of oblivion
hope lingers on for the sickest child

that hope stays with us in diminishing degrees
slowly smote from outside factors
or withered from unrelenting mental strife
and at some point it eludes every last one of us

but in hope’s wake there comes a bridge
forked to infinity with paths unique
as the individuals they beckon
and when the hopeless choose their way
with startling conviction

life begins again