Hope
Theodore Henry Shakelford
O Hope! into my darkened life
Thou hast so oft’ descended;
My helpless head from failure’s blows,
Thou also hast defended;
When circumstances hard, and mean,
Which I could not control,
Did make me bow my head with shame,
Thou comforted my soul.
When stumbling blocks lay all around,
And when my steps did falter,
Then did thy sacred fires burn
Upon my soul’s high altar.
Oft’ was my very blackest night
Scarce darker than my day,
But thou dispelled those clouds of doubt,
And cheered my lonely way.
E’en when I saw my friends forsake,
And leave me for another,
Then thou, O Hope, didst cling to me
Still closer than a brother;
Thus with thee near I groped my way
Through that long, gloomy night
Till now; yes, as I speak, behold,
I see the light! the light!
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What a powerful and evocative poem by Theodore Henry Shackelford! The portrayal of hope as a constant companion during the darkest of times is incredibly moving. It reminds us all that no matter how tough circumstances get, there’s always a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece, it surely brings solace to many.
Regards
Abhishek
Thank you for your comment. When we have hope we have a chance. Hope your day gets better by the moment. Stay strong, never quit. Ray