Hope Eternal

(a villanelle)

Even now, I find my fragile hopes have wings,

though optimism seems in short supply;

Even now, I find that hope eternal springs,

  

and feeds the rivers with the confidence of kings

who know those promised waters won’t run dry.

Even now, I find my fragile hopes have wings

  

that can withstand the compass needle’s swings

and carry me as far as faith will fly.

Even now, I find that hope eternal springs.

  

I built the past to which my future clings.

We all write our own stories – do, or die.

Even now, I find my fragile hopes have wings.

  

If I listen, something in me sings –

sings for the strength to laugh, to love, to cry.

Even now, I find that hope eternal springs:

  

For the courage to clip the anchoring strings,

set free my hopes from open palms held high.

Even now, I find my fragile hopes have wings. 

Even now, I find that hope eternal springs.