A tiny flicker: A poem by Munira Dalal

Hope is in the last flicker of the dying candle
As it starts burning again with more brightness to handle

Hopeful is the sunbeam as it passes through a tiny crack in the door
Its light will dispel darkness even though it just touches the floor

Hopeful is the acorn that it will become the mighty oak tree
From being called a tiny nut, it will then be free

Hopeful is the ocean its waves will rise after every fall
Racing to the shore and winning; their forward motion
they won’t stall

Hopeful is the tiny bird as it gathers twigs for its nest
The branches will support her home and let the hatchlings rest

Hopeful are the summer clouds as they search for nimbus in the skies
Rain will bring joy and relief to the weary farmer’s eyes

Hopeful are lofty mountains with their heads held high
Climbers will reach the summit and crown them in the sky

Hopeful in the sky is the disappearing waning moon
After the no moon it will be a full moon soon

Hopeful is the weary sun as it sets every evening
The sunrise that follows will new opportunities bring

Hopeful is the poor helpless mother with children in a hut
May the day come soon when food is in the glut

Hopeful are the breaths of patients who are terminally ill
Will they see a few more dawns? May the Almighty change His will

Hopeful is mankind that we all live in peace
We show kindness and humanity; pray all wars to cease