"Through Hollow And Hope"

Hello, Dear Reader

This is a poem that I had written in 2019 and was performed on stage in front of a panel of judges from our local Poetry and Performing Arts community. It was an exclusive event, to which one could only attend by invitation. I was performing some of my work at a local venue, and one of the judges was a member of the audience. I did not know this at the time; but he said that he enjoyed my performance and ask if I would accept an invitation to perform for one of their events. Of course, I was honored and I accepted. He explained that the judges panel consisted of published Authors and Poets... and said that they can be Brutal if they are not impressed by any particular performer. My confidence was too high to be intimidated, so I attended... and he wasn't kidding! When it was my time to performed- I nailed it! It was with this poem and my painting that not only earned me some very high accolades, but one of the judges became teary-eyed as well! The comments were so overwhelming and left me humbled and grateful for this opportunity. It was because of this piece, that I selected to compete in an annual Poetry competition, to represent the local Poetry and Performing Arts Community.

I hope you enjoy this piece, Dear Reader...

Through Hollow And Hope

through all of my years, I've seen wonders-

seasons, felt the wind, suffering and tragedy.

countless years... all for what?

I've served a purpose...

cradled life, provided sustenance, colors, comfort-

all while feeling alone.

solitary... looked past. empty.

time soon takes its' toll...

aging... weathered and unwanted. HOLLOW.

I succumb to frailty-

weakening, crumbling, near death, falling.

all I've done through the years... all for naught?

do I not have value?

where is my shade, comfort, sustenance- life?

am i not to be desired... or needed?

close to my end, doom casts its' own shadow.

spoiled fruit, no luster in its' color... cold.

but then HOPE arrives...

planting its' own seed-

hope I thought I'd not had.

an awakening... a chance... a reprieve.

dreams of days filled with songbirds-

fruit, wind and rain, sun and moon... starlight.

things that I value, needed, desired.

hope was not lost... only misplaced-

there all along... still within me.

so, I choose to live!

serve my own purpose... ME.

though I hold no malice... I cast no shade.

soon, hope reaches into the soil- clinging to the earth.

rooted, firm... grounded.

seed and soil form a mutual pact-

solidarity, a union...

we two combined... we live for each other.

confident, reliant, committed.

come songbird, come wind. come colors, come rain.

through seasons, through the years-

our bond... creates LIFE once again!

sweeter fruit, brighter colors-

songs from wind and birds... but this time- louder!

a grand display awaits us, in time...

patience, be our guide. time, be our friend.

the process of growth- long, tested, but filled with hope!

joy, love, together, we live... grow-

reaching for the stars- bonded, united.

though it be young, green, new-

we will undoubtedly grow together!

becoming a new. becoming beautiful. becoming one!

starlight- we will soon meet again.

sunshine- paint the best of hue.

rain... provide the wine.

soon, we will celebrate!

we will persevere through the HOLLOW-

and with a new life... filled with HOPE!

...Richie Said That!