“Hope” (inspired by the Inauguration of President Barack Obama, January 20, 2009)

Hope.
That love is the answer.
That peace will prevail.
That anger will soon fizzle out like a solitary match in a frictionless world.
That those we care for live, safely, joyously, purposefully.

Love.
By which the world is remade.
Through which we find ourselves.
For which we write poems, utter praises,
Live to face another day.

Courage.
To move on despite obstacles.
To feel more than what is prudent.
To fight for hope, love, freedom,
And a better understanding of our world...and ourselves.

Honesty.
To know when we are wrong.
To be truthful with ourselves.
To help loved ones rise above the past
By showing them the truth...even...if it hurts.

Integrity.
To not compromise our values.
To speak of things not spoken.
To help friends escape the bonds of love denied and friendship slighted
And not speak ill of those who denied it...even though we may have every right to do so.

Forgiveness.
Of all those who have wronged us.
Of all the wrongs we have nurtured.
Of our lack of courage,
Selfish love,
Trembling integrity,
And painful honesty,
For in forgiveness of our faults and unyielding will to move beyond our shortcomings
We find our true strength and the divine gift to humanity:
HOPE