Hope-it fluttered for a moment or so

A drop of tear upon it fell

solidifying it into amber.

There to stay,

till it mustered enough courage

to hope again.

Belief-it died a hundred deaths

Retaining a shred each time

it was knocked flat by cruel fate.

Till the last ember burned

itself away-a thin wisp of smoke

lingered for oh so short a while

(that I doubted its very foundations)....