hope – Breathing Inspiration

The Light Will Prevail

This year’s a different thing, – I’ll not think of you.*

Even though, I see the future in light of the past. And, although, that light is dim, a brighter one awaits upon the distant horizon. For, when the darkness seems to pervade the very bones, and drenches the psyche with its wear and tear upon hope, the promise of a new dawn becomes even more than a promise – for the track record of the prophets guarantees the fulfillment.

In December 2019, there had been a foreboding in my soul, when the lights of the menorah were dimmed on Chanukah, by the news of another intrusion of darkness, meant to quench the light that has spanned generations; yet, will continue to prevail, until the final triumphant day. Redemption is at hand in every moment of our lives. This eternal insight is what sustains me.

*Charlotte Mew, “I so liked Spring”

dVerse prompt

A Heart Transformed

Oh, ruinous soul,
shall you continue in your negativity?
The threads are bare, exposing your despair,
consuming even the sparks of hope,
that need time to be fanned into flames
of promise for renewal in your life.

—– —– —– —– —–
What of strife? It serves no purpose,
unless transcended when the challenge is met.
What of worldly comfort? (Never to be of avail
to the uncomfortability of a restless soul).
What of love? That can only flourish
in a heart transformed by G-d alone.

All Things New

You make all things new;

even when our sight is dim,

and we cannot regain what is true,

for, we hear a bas kol, calling us again,

at the renewal of each and every day,

like Israel camped out on the land

who responded na’aseh v’nishmah,

“we will do, and we will understand.”

Gazing Upon You

How can I steer a steady course,

toward Your benevolence and kindness?

Only by giving the helm

to Your guidance and direction.

How can I remain on the path

toward Your promises?

Only by fixing my gaze upon You,

rather than on this world.

—– —– —– —–

And, yet, if I am fortunate,

Your gaze also rests upon me.

For, how can I maintain

this grace bestowed upon me,

except to receive what You give?

And, how can I obtain peace of mind,

except to give of myself to others?

—– —– —– —–

For You have shown us the way,

through Your attributes of mercy,

that are freely given at Your discretion,

despite our lack of merit.

And, You are the first and the last,

Your presence will rest upon Israel.

Our Brethren

“There shall no evil come to thee: nor shall the scourge come near thy dwelling.” – Psalm 91:10

No longer driven this way and that,

because we are given the blessing of adaptability

in times of war, when all appears lost.

And, in times of peace as well,

in our homes, and when all alone,

to remember our brethren and kin,

when we have no one to tell

our troubles to except for G-d.

The memories of ashes, everywhere,

like dust in the currents of wind,

that shift across the ages.

Yet, renewal is at hand,

across this war-torn land,

when we turn to the One above,

Who can reconcile our lives to Himself,

and absolve our sins of indifference

to both G-d and mankind.

Seeking Him

Give thanks to His name,

despite everything that seems to be in disarray.

Proclaim His acts across the land,

and offer a helping hand,

to those in need.

Sing words of praise to Him,

even when things do not appear to be going well.

Play music in His honor,

and in the splendor of holiness,

worship Him.

Let your heart rejoice

in the provision of the L-RD,

for His grace abounds,

and the level of His mercy

cannot be found out.

Always search out the L-RD,

and seek His countenance,

a refuge in the storms of life,

a guide to all your challenges

along the way home.

In Sympatico

Oh L-rd,

only wisdom,

bright as your countenance,

will shed light on my wayward path,

tonight.

Tonight,

every night…

during the days of gloom,

when there is no room for this hope

to bloom.

To bloom,

like a flower,

transplanted from soil,

depleted by war’s cruelty,

and dearth.

And dearth,

leaves us scant food,

unable to nourish

our souls with everlasting hope,

and dreams.

And dreams,

vanish in sync

with the early morning

air raids, that signal a new day,

oh L-rd.

dverse prompt

Our Hope

Ribon HaOlamim,

Master of the Worlds,

look down upon your children,

and hear our plea, for the sake of peace,

amongst Your diverse Creation.

You are One, and Your Name is One:

yet, not until the Day of Reckoning,

will this be realized in our hearts.

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

In hope, in fulfillment of all

that is promised to Your people,

we cast our eyes above, towards You,

in recognition of Your awesome holiness,

and in acknowledgment of our

human weaknesses and pettiness.

Bestow Your light upon us,

and hearken to our prayers.

Seek to Be

“**The Blue Yellow Tree” by Vika Muse** @get.muse In the artist’s own words:
“Escaping into the fantasy world helps to overcome the feeling of permanent anxiety caused by the war.”

Sending branches into the sky,

and roots down into the earth;

we seek to be lifted on high,

for all that we are worth.

In this world there is always a cost,

when the soul aspires to pursue

what freedom may bring, despite what is lost;

the body grieves, yet hope will ensue.

Dreams are the essence of ascent,

while our roots tether us to the ground;

inspiration keeps the goal in sight,

where our strength can be found.

We are nourished by our heritage,

our values, beliefs, and prayers,

even without the proper leverage

to move the mountains in our way.

Our trust in G-d Above will not diminish,

even in the midst of the flaming arrows of the enemy;

hope in an unseen future of peace is our wish,

even when lives are uprooted, dreams remain.

dverse prompt

Hope Surfaces

Hope, is the mainstay of my life

and the fruition of my thoughts.

Hope, will outweigh the strife

that weighs heavily upon my heart.

Hope, the champion of the future,

a prelude to ultimate victory.

Hope, is enough to suture

the wounds inflicted by misery.

Hope, will mend the broken fragments

of a life unduly shattered.

Hope, will diminish the lament

of those whose clothes are tattered.

Hope, designed to stich each patch

and sew together the unraveled strands.

Hope, will help to gather all who are lost,

like collecting so many grains of sand.

Hope, will meld with faith,

bridging the gap in between.

Hope obtained, will never fade,

always realizing the dream.

dverse prompt