Poetry Prompt: Hope

Summary

The text is a poetic reflection on the nature of hope, questioning its necessity while appreciating the present moment.

Abstract

The poem "Poetry Prompt: Hope" by George Odarquaye Lamptey delves into the paradoxical concept of hope, describing it as a longing for an unknowable future. The author muses on the act of hoping versus the appreciation of the present, suggesting that hope can distract from the beauty and joy found in the here and now, such as the song of birds, the patterns of dew, and the wisdom of nature symbolized by a yucca plant. While the poet acknowledges the allure of hope, they ultimately choose to embrace the current moment rather than waiting for an uncertain future, expressing gratitude for the sensory experiences that define their reality.

Opinions

The poet questions the value of hope, viewing it as a wish for an unknown future that may not align with the present's beauty.
Hope is likened to a longing for a perfect sunset, suggesting it is an idealistic pursuit that might overshadow the simpler pleasures in life.
The author expresses a preference for tangible, immediate experiences, such as the morning songs of birds and the sparkle of dew drops, over the abstract concept of hope.
There is a sentiment that hoping can lead to missing out on the profound wisdom and joy offered by nature and the present moment.
The poem conveys a sense of contentment with the current reality, advocating for living in the present rather than waiting for a potentially better future.
The poet confesses to occasionally hoping but emphasizes that nothing surpasses the richness of the present experience.
The acknowledgment of Melanie J. for providing the poetry prompts suggests a sense of community and shared inspiration among writers.

To hope is to want a future unknown. To want a future unknown is to dream. Dreams are not real.

If you can see this image of beauty What exactly do you hope for?

It’s hard as I write this And the pen-lines…indeed they waver Like the leaf that fights to leave the nest of high trees Going against the reflections of the grass blades

I struggle to breathe words Into this construct of hope. Why, you ask?

Well, hope is a future unknown A longing for the universe to provide Therefore why shall I hope? For she plays to her own tune I cannot read the future That’s not my current reality

Hope is a wish Like the longing for a sunset That rises at the right time To ignite your heart to feel warmth

But why do you wish? Are you here? Or there? Where, you say? Well, in your world of hope? That future thing Yes, you say in that world of hope

Well, I wish for nothing For I may miss the birds that chime Each morning and sing sweet songs That boost my heart with joy

I may miss the smile Of the dew drops That play with patterns That circle reflections of Great stars reflected in my eyes

I may miss the joy of stillness From my ever loyal yucca plant Oozing naturistic wisdom In the absence of time

I must confess I do sometimes hope But nothing, nothing Is like this moment So I’ll take my chances Not to wait for hope

George Odarquaye Lamptey

I’m loving these prompts and thanks again to Melanie J. for tagging me.