When the first hope breathes its last br Another one begins to crawl. br A future stares at it though. br br When the crawling ends for once br It sits and looks around br And then reaches out to objects far. br br It studies at the school of optimism br But the hands of pessimism grip it next br And it wears an attire of illusion. br br The hope blooms in a withering smile br As the images of illusion snare at it for long br And there goes the home bell - it should leave. br br It returns to a home deserted br By the lone guardian the bold ego -once a strong friend too br And finds no solace in the vacant chambers of the mind. br br The second hope lives alone -how hard! br But no terror enters its domains - ah! br For it should live for a race in dismay...br br M.