Rise & Shine!

I was anguished, I was lonely, I was desolate
Lost in humanity, I had all faith
Cribbed over my destiny, cursed my fate
Wished all my woes could just evaporate;

Knew not what to do, I wandered by the pool
The breeze laughed at me, called me a fool
Was on the brink of losing my head
Down flew a little birdie, this is what she said:

"The times are bad, the times are rough
But this is when you get to prove that you've got the stuff
You've got what it takes to get over this
To bring back into life that elusive bliss;

This is not a trial, this is not a test
It is but an opportunity to prove you're the best
To prove you can go on when progress seems futile
To prove you can walk on mile after mile;

Your big chance this could be, your moment of glory
On every pair of lips could be your amazing story
Stand up, forge ahead, you can turn around the tide
On the crest of success, take a wild ride;

Rise from the ashes, wash away the grime
Waiting out there for you is ecstasy sublime
Have no fear, get up, take a stand,
I'm your guardian angel, till eternity holding your hand";

Away the birdie flew, left me in a daze
Feel I could in my soul, the fire once again blaze
Jostling me awake, again the breeze flew,
Said tough times don't last, but tough people do."

Maybe...

The blooming flowers, once blossoming bright
Now look so weak, so dull, so trite
Maybe tomorrow'll bring back the hue
Buds so tender bathed in dew;

My source of joy, the mesmerizing blue sky
Now a smoky grey, makes my tears run dry
Maybe tomorrow'll be my ally
Give me wings again and help me fly;

The sparkling river, my friend in despair
Seems to have vanished into thin air
Maybe tomorrow'll restore the faith
Pristine waters of love will again percolate;

The songs of the birds used to set me free
All I can hear now are echoes eerie
Maybe tomorrow'll return the tune
The melody that made us to all sorrow immune;

The harmony of the world used to inspire
Now everywhere I look people plot and conspire
Maybe tomorrow our belief will revive
In the sole reason that keeps us all alive...

...the eternally burning flame that we call HOPE