ON THE WINGS OF HOPE

I will paint my face with ash
Tear these and adorn on a sack
I will partake neither bread, water nor wine
I will answer my door to no friend of mine
Instead I will lock my inner chamber
Prostate when my knees no longer hold.

I will plead, I will beg
I will cry, wail, I have too
From daylight till morrow
I will call my ancestors, Saints and Angels
And the son of God, Emmanuel
To argue my case before the Almighty Yahweh.

And when dawn knocks on the shutters
Like a messenger announcing the birth of “today”
Should the situation persist, remain the same
Like a phoenix I will arise
Pour rose water on my bath
Wear my face after a long soak
Put on the best among my gowns and shoes
Head to the kitchen, make a banquet
Set the table, uncork the reserved bottled
Press play on the stereo and nourish my soul.

Not this day or night though
I must not tend to my body
Show weakness to my spirit
Or give sleep to my eyes.
Until tomorrow brings in the verdict
I must soar
On the wings of hope.