Where Hope Resides

What is this thing, this feeling, this place?

Known to all, yet unknown to many;

a question oft pondered but never answered.

Though, answer is perhaps not the right word,

as many believe they know, and will provide words;

words that seem to provide a sufficient answer

to a question they do not comprehend.

"It is there," they say, and point to a structure;

a compilation of inorganic material, built by hands

that were most likely not their own.

"It is here," they say, and point to their chest;

a cage of bone protecting organs vital for life,

though life in this context represents the base meaning of the word

and nothing more.

"It is with them," they say, and point to their partner, friend or family.

But when you find yourself alone, where will it be then?

To place such heft on impermanent things,

may lead only to ruin.

So what is it, then?

And of what importance does it hold, to be questioned so?

It is the driving force of hope,

when you find yourself lost and alone.

It is the light that shines brightly,

when you find yourself surrounded by darkness.

It is the warmth that surrounds you,

when all else has been taken.

It is where your soul may find itself safe,

amidst a torrent of despair.

It is what we strive for,

it is what we long for,

it is what we hope for.

It is,

Home.