Forlorn Hope

Powerfully displayed in a coat Of brilliant crimson, alive With flaming wings dancing in a dewy Glimmer of morning sunlight Washing the dawn with a vivid Flash or color so animated It breathes joy into the start Of this new day, this new light This new thought I wonder at its constant thumping Against the image it sees on the sliding Glass door – where he glimpses himself And must think, despite the mourning, That he has finally found her, the one Who he mated with once upon a time – Mated with for life – forever and always Their love was supposed to have lasted Eternally without parting He creates a flash of stunning scarlet As he knocks a ‘thud’ against the glass Where a mirrored image of himself Keeps him coming back for her, his bride The bird that flew from his life On some dazzling morning, rich like this one Rays embracing the skin like a prayer Quiet and gentle, the image of inspiration A dream awakening Will this cardinal ever give up and move on Find another lady to bring him solace? His steady knock on the sliding door is becoming A nuisance as annoying as a dripping faucet Tapping – thudding – slamming into the glass With an endless optimism, sure he’ll eventually Uncover the love of his life, the mate Who is no longer there to tell him that His feat is already defeated and he needs to Give it up before he finally gives into the grief Crashes into the glass too swiftly and commits Suicide, the ultimate downfall of his winged pursuit His chasing of a shadow, the reflection of his hope Widowed, he aches for his beloved Defeated, he never gives up The breath of hope whispering in his ear Reflecting off the fear that he has lost her His winged wife For life This or That Volume 2 Poetry Contest TITLE CHOSEN - Forlorn Hope Sponsored by: Edward Ibeh April 11, 2021