Hope lives here,
Not always content,
Not always well rested,
Or without shed tears,
But hope lives here.

Hope exists within,
Sometimes under protest,
Sometimes with caution,
Often wounded to win,
But hope exists within.

Hope dwells inside,
Every human heart,
Every soul truly alive,
Should love within abide,
Hope dwells inside.

Hope blooms despite,
Of roaring lions,
Of depressive powers,
Love feeds hope so right,
For hope blooms despite.

Hope generates hope,
Though chances falter,
Though roads seem lost,
And weary hearts must cope,
Hope generates hope.

Hope flies free here,
Given by God,
Given one breath,
Though year turns to years,
Hope flies free here.

Hope transcends this life,
Reminding each of us,
Reminding life of each,
That this life has its strife,
But hope transcends this life.
           dfav 11/15/16

—Donna