WITH BAITED BREATH

Hope. With bated breath holding onto her for dear life. Cognizant she and pain are identical sides of the same coin. They need no introduction.

Although, hope has been typecast with sunshine and rainbows. She may well be far from picturesque settings in Hues of Green surrounded by still waters. Yes, hope is a beautiful gem- discovered and worn proudly.

Yet, hope is far from innocent. And she is considerably more than a meandrous stroll from naïve and rosy spectacles.

Hope is bold- she's edging you to dream. Audacious enough to make the goal unimaginable. And proud to the point where you're labeled conceitedly ambitious.

Hope has teeth. And fangs when needed. She has grit that bites and grinds while others sleep. And camouflage that'll conceal the vision in any environment.

Hope has to be fierce to see her dreams realized. And malleability is a given when considering unexpected changes in terrain. Because hope has to own the red carpet and the storm. Even while trembling.

Hope is stalked by temptation. The potential to settle for counterfeits that lower the standard to "doable". The urge to give up when chaos and conflict overwhelm. And the enticement to resolve to never dream big again.

Hope is dangerous. Cheekily pushing you to look upward then inward. While never guaranteeing a win. Further, without the promise of manifestation.

Hope is petty. Toward antagonists, and the green-eyed monster. She's not vindictive, just calculated. Never uttering, an "I told you so", allowing outcome to speak for itself. And unwilling to acknowledge naysayers in victory or lesson learned.

Hope always cost you something. And sometimes, she costs you everything. Requiring all one has- to make it through: scathed, unapologetic, and willing to guard the next big idea without detrimental baggage.

Hope is in-fact, painful. She doesn't always give you time to grieve the dying of a dream. You may have to grieve along the way while protecting the next impossible finish line with baited breath.

But that's hope for you. Beautifully relentless.