Pandora's Pithos
Hope is the little bit left in the jar
that will get you through the next night--
and maybe one more.
It's the distance you can still go when
the going is hard and
too much of you is too sore.
It's the part of the paycheck you have left in
the week, and the paycheck before
your rent is due.
It's the one phone call you know
you can make where someone is going
to pick up for you,
It's the time you have in the twilight
where the doctor stills says "She's just sleeping:
wait and see."
It's the time left on your own clock
wondering if this is all you'll do--
or be.
It's the forgiveness you have for the
people in your life who always
are getting you mucked up--
And maybe the faith you have in mankind
knowing we're so
perennially fucked up.
I don't care where you're from
or who you think you are,
but I know we're all just keeping something
left inside our jar.