Written by Paul Hicks.

Thinking of the Martyn Joseph and Stewart Henderson collaboration, ‘Love is’, I asked myself what a song or poem might say, that started with the words, ‘Hope is…’

Hope is…

The lighthouse beam, now cutting through the dark, the salty spray.
The promise, even now: ‘This shall not be’.
The planting of an Olive tree, whose shade will not be known.
The compass North, by which we find the way.

The summer seed, buried as the nights turn in, the earth goes cold.
The hand held out, to reach for in the dark.
The watchmen on the ramparts, still
And straining for the dawn whose coming they will surely know.

The glimpse of future promises made real, tangible.
The silver web revealed by the droplets, still upon the frame.
Companion day by day, of faith, and love,
So nebulous and indescribable; yet so real.

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✏️ Paul Hicks is a Mental Health Nurse working with Children & Young People and their families. He is currently training for ordained ministry within the Church of Wales.

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📧 If you’re interested in sharing a little hope between 5th March and 17th April 2025, get in touch (abrokenpastor@gmail.com) with your contribution. It can be an article, blog post, artwork, poem, song, photo… there are no rules others than it be your original work and offers a little bit of hope.