To Hope: From Despair Poem by Almedia Knight-Oliver

All tell me not to despair, yet
I’m worn and flat as a tire.

Yet my mind recollects the
times we spent in the park.
Strolling and talking, discussing
old and current events, as well
as the number one book
on the bestseller's list.

And a narrative of happy times to
leave behind to be read in spare times.
About love poems that color our hearts red,
about a ton of kisses you planted on my forehead
about your strong right arm being comforting cane.

Drawing back the curtain of moments of birth:
Look! the stained blue dress tucked away in memory’s trunk;
Look! those gentle tummy pinches or waves and tucks;
Look! your knowing smile and catchy eyes were your line and hook.
Listen! I hear your baritone voice calming my trembling heart!

Hope, I know you can’t forever hide behind fear,
in as much, as the sun behind the clouds.
But absent despair, I stand alone.
Dear family and friends let me cringe, cry,
and dance with despair tonight and
partner with hope tomorrow.


By
Almedia Knight-Oliver

September 24th, the eve of the birth of my 2nd son and one week into a positive change in my husband’s illness…two beginnings with past and present births.