A song of hope
A Villanelle

For Andrea the singer and Andrea, my niece

I can survive the aching soul’s dark night.
The velvet covered voice assures me with hope.
The universe radiates clear blue light.

I face down demons, draw back from the bite
And sting of the moments when I cannot cope.
I can survive the aching soul’s dark night.

I drop weapons, evil thoughts, long-held fright.
I shed the sackcloth, smile rather than mope.
The universe radiates clear blue light.

I breathe, run, love, pray, laugh, talk, and write.
I resist self-loathing’s addictive dope.
I can survive the aching soul’s dark night.

I will wash myself clean, make dark moods bright.
The power of truth is more potent than soap.
The universe radiates clear blue light.

I reject hopelessness and reset my sight.
I look to the sky and let go of grief’s rope.
I can survive the aching soul’s dark night.
The universe radiates clear blue light.