A Tenderness of Hope
by Michael Doyle

We live in a fast-paced society 
That is filled with such complexity
That it brings less than notoriety
To become overwhelmed by our anxiety

Still, each of us chooses a mask to wear
A smile of dignity as if we have no care
This is a mask of forced grins and lies
And it falls apart often before our eyes

Time and again we reach out to cope
Hoping for a little tenderness of hope
It is in who we have come to friend
That find that on which we can best depend

Our falsity hides on our cheeks like a shade
That lays waste to the plan we've made
Torn and bleeding hearts whisper denial
As this sort of truth is hidden by smiles

At best, it is that it too often seems
We count ourselves lucky in our dreams
If there is at least one that will ask
Why it is that we wear such a tainted mask

Time and again, we reach out to cope
Hoping for a little tenderness of hope
It is in who we have come to friend
That find that on which we can best depend

If there is that one with whom we can be real
Then life's bargain is blessed as a steal
To relieve ourselves in that contemplation
Of just how much is left for interpretation

Through faithfulness we reach contentment
And through this find life's fulfillment
Faith, hope, and the greatest being love
Can make our lives on earth as if Heaven above

Time and again, we reach out to cope
Hoping for a little tenderness of hope
It is in who we have come to friend
That find that on which we can best depend

(c) December 21, 2024   Michael Doyle
All Rights Observed