CXX
TO HOPE

                      I

Immortal hope, spirit that waits for
the eternal Messiah who you know
will never come, you who protect
your daughter, faith, with seven keys

and who is never intimidated by reason,
when you do not turn our hearts into birds
that can fly above the dark clouds
of grim truth, I can no longer feel you.

Immortal hope, divine bird!...
because my soul is too shallow for you
you are stifled in it, and because of that

I have lost your protection
and now, without you, I struggle to see
if, struggling blindly, I can forget you.

                      II

But no, immortal one, you are eternal
since you live outside of us, a Holy
Spirit in the depths of God, and you will
always return under your ageless mantle

to shelter our poor bitter spirits
and make our afflictions fruitful;
only you can cure mortal sorrow,
only you can give meaning to your tears.

I am waiting for you, essence of life;
I will not walk like a soul who is caught up
in the motions of a macabre dance

since my life has purpose; with my weakness
I will lay a foundation for your strength
and while I live I will hold on to you, Hope!