I Defy Despair

I defy despair

till the moment after my last breath

takes me elsewhere.

I defy despair

in the midst of turmoils

economic, environmental and emotional

I defy it

when all I own is dust

when all I know is gone

when all I love has passed

away

I defy despair

I defy it when

those in charge act like children

when suffering spreads like a wound

when the rational seems defeated by madness

when the voices of children

starved and helpless

go unanswered

I defy despair

And I do not defy it with anger

I do not fling impotent rage into the wind

I do not shout at the sky

Or rail against the stars

I defy it quietly and simply

serenely and constantly

persistently and resolutely

with that powerful

four letter word...

Hope.

Just try to defy that.