Hope (Dedicated to dear friend JOHN F WALTER)

I am gladdened beyond reckoning by this dedication, manoj, and thrilled by the journey you take us on in this aptly titled free verse poem that celebrates the triumph of hope. You have so lucidly captured all the stages so many of us have had to go through when told of our impending doom because of a terrible disease or condition; hope is the only way to get through the thickets of doubt which beset one when confronted with one's mortality and the notion that the world will go on without one. "La vida es corta, y la muerte, larga" says the Spanish refrain: Life is short, and death, long. Confronted with this awful recognition, just as your insightful free verse piece shows, one has to find the light or is lost: There is no room for fashionable postmodern existentialist despair. If one has faith in the One, then one is going to believe in the doctors who treat you as well. Hope is the beacon, hope sets us free. Those who disparage hope as a refuge for the weak, should try several weeklong cycles of chemotherapy, and then perhaps they would change their tune.
I am so grateful for this poetic effort that you blazed in just a record time, manoj. Your talent is abundant, your heart overflowing. I thank you with mine, and extend my hand in friendship again and again.

Being in such darkness and seeing but a point of light, returning confidence after a thorny swallowing up of self by self. I journeyed with you the entire way.

Thank you for this dedication to our dear friend John F. Walter.

This is a wonderful tribute to you and a very special person. I share every one pf your thoughts

Yes dear John, hope alway smiles and bring smiles. I wish you all the best in your brave attempts and very sure of the diamond spark for a new begining with renewed grace. I AM SURE THAT THE OPERATION WOULD BE SUCCESSFUL AND WHOLE GATHER IS PRAYING FOR YOU. Sing sweet songs and live long life.

Cheers!

Yes Douglas and Doyle ... let us pray for all the best to John.

Thank you all once again.

light smiles on me - the progressing hope. i went through your thoughts with great feeling. good work.

Thanks Amy ... Thanks Vijay.

Any tribute for our friend John is less.
Let us pray for his successful operation and quickest recovery.

Beautiful! Each word perfectly chosen to lead the mind, body, emotions and soul step by step in to utter despair and then step by step back as hope returned!

Thanks Lori.
Best wishes.

I am clapping like mad!

I am overwhelmed Abhineeta .... Thanks.

I should like to add my voice to yours and hope the "small dot of light" expand and shine on John. Moya

Thanks Moya. I am sure that our prayers would be heard.

I enjoyed reading this poem because I can easily relate to this- your words are really powerful and a clear depiction of hope. I alos like the imagery- wonderful piece!

Thanks Angel.
Best wishes and take care.

Manoj,

Your writing has grown serious with this poem of hope. And it is wonderful hope of which you speak. Kudos to you.

Thanks Barbary.
Best wishes.

A nice tribute of hope to Mr.John F. Walter.I will also pray GOD for his successful operation and quickest recovery.

Suresh.

Thanks Suresh.

Yes, let us all pray for John's quickest recovery.

beautiful, manoj.