The Flame She Carries

Hope always looks like 

something golden and beautiful and bright 

but Hope has just fallen 

her face streaked with dirt 

Her hands have scratches 

and her knees are raw 

but her resolve still will not thaw 

You thought she would shine

but she just limps forward

Pushing still harder with each and every fall

Just to bring you that flicker of light

just to bring you that candle so bright

She's been through war and her heart’s been torn

but her will's still strong in a soul well-worn

Hope has just been stabbed in the back

She is falling, bleeding, her body’s given out

but Hope is still laughing, 

still living, still breathing

a smile on her wearied face

Hope has just lost her friends so dear

But she’s still laughing through each fallen tear

Hope has just lost everything

But she has a lantern

A flickering candle behind grimy glass screens

A tiny flame to chase off the scary bad dreams

Hope still holds her light

The light she clutches to her chest

She’s still hoping.