The Night Hope Died


the gates are closed
the chance is past
the moment lost
it could not last

the clock ticks on
i still hang here
suspend the hope
placate my fear

the silence grows
stillness complete
still i stand by
ignore defeat

but soon i know
and can't deny
my hopes in vain
i heave a sigh

i glance about
alone and cold
feeling no pain
just sad and old

surely if i
but wait awhile
someone will come
feed my denial

i start to walk
along the path
so strong the urge
to call my wrath

but deep within
a calmness grows
spreading despair
from head to toes

i see the world
through changing eyes
my former self
i now despise

i hate my hopes
and all their lies
none have come true
none realized

i reach the stream
i look within
and contemplate
a mortal sin

i look beyond
for something more
i wish i knew
what i live for

emotion comes
to overtake
i kneel in pain
no sound i make

the tears come forth
lips quiv'ring say
a quiet plea
i start to pray

there comes a noise
my pleadings cease
i glance up to
behold the beast

a fawn has come
up from the stream
i blink, perchance
this is a dream

he walks along
and heeds me not
can he not see
this hunching spot?

i feel a peace
from deep within
a comfort spreads
comes flooding in

and i am changed
hope flows anew
human again
spirits renew


(C) Robert H. Harrison