Hope
The silver fire within our breasts
Possessed by all whom grace have kept
Kindled first beyond our gaze
Of mortal eyes, on which a haze
Has been since Adam's fall
Hope
Placed within our hearts
For help traversing the lonely dark
Formed by the Maker in shining lands
Crafted by his powerful hands
To place within creation
Hope
Powerful though it may be
Falters when the Maker leaves
Or is forsaken by shifting man
For lies of power and riches grand
Snares of enemy cruel
Hope
Then like a lantern begins to wane
Discarded for the dangerous game
Of destiny held in mortal's will
Apart from God they slowly fail
And sink into oblivion
Hope
Yet can enter the heart of man
If he before flees the demand
Of subjection from devil's call
Into the tender mercies fall
Of Jesus' gentle arms
Hope
Then burns brighter than sun or stars
Fed by the Power that mend the mars
In souls of men both small and great
Hope leads them through the darkest
night
To Zion's glorious dawn
-Maria Rod.
