Nascent Hope

Despite my best efforts
to remain detached and realistic;
not optimistic;
a nascent seed of hope
has begun to sprout
deep within my being.
Such chinks of light
and sparks of joy
need nurturing
so that they might grow.
Welcome as it is,
I'm trying to ignore this one.
It's unorthodox,
but too much is at stake
and hoping isn't enough.
Years of yearning weren't enough.
Trying hard and working diligently
haven't always created opportunities,
so I will not waste this one.
I dare not let myself imagine
how my life would change.
And so, I carry on.
Head down, I prepare.
Then should I fail,
I hope life can continue
as before.
If I should succeed,
I will flood that seed of hope
with love and light;
let it grow to its potential
as I start along the path
to find mine.