The Truth About Hope

Hope 

is not pretty. 

Hope

is not soft

nor kind

nor gentle. 

Hope

is a warrior

covered in scars

holding a sword

against the throats 

of your nightmares.

Hope

goes to war.

Hope

sees unspeakable horror.

Hope 

doesn’t flinch 

in the face

of a demon

with gleaming teeth

and quiet claws.

Hope

is a guardian

of faith. 

Hope 

is ugly

and sharp.

Hope 

will teach you

to survive

and rise from ashes

with more strength

than you ever thought

you could hold. 

Hope is not soft. 

It can’t afford to be. 

Hope 

has to be ferocious

and fearless 

and comes home

covered in blood

and ink

to hand you a dream,

a wish

a prayer.

Hope

sews your wounds shut

with steady hands,

and goes out to find

the one who hurt you. 

Hope

is not pretty

or fickle

or soft. 

Hope

is 

power.