Hope

I have a vision of children

Rising up from barren landscapes

All over the world.

Out of war and poverty

Out of inner-city violence

And the corruption of suburban hell.

Out of suppression of spirits

Out of drugs and gang wars

Out of abuse

And attempted murder of the soul.

Children finally knowing their own worth,

Children of all ages and colors

Playing together,

The reasons for war forgotten.

I see children who have survived

Against unbelievable odds,

Whole and complete.

The old terrors exchanged

For a vision of light and love.

Glorious children with newly unfurled wings,

Angels with slight limps

From long ago insults on their souls,

Rising up once again.

Children ascending,

Children transformed,

Children of the world,

A vision

A hope

A possible future.