IHOP

I hope

I hope on paper

And write these thoughts through  hell and sweat and vapor

So I can sleep well and read it out loud later

I hope

I hope that I make it a minute to rest for a sec

So I can reclaim breath and keep anger in check

And later be pleased that my mind is a wreck

But that wreck is a beautiful mess to respect

Whenever it’s left to reflect

I hope

I hope on the keyboard in sight

That worldly frustrations can make the mutations

And patience can lead to delight

And as the apple of one eye, even if

It’s as a crabapple, I can still be worth the bite

Though I will not take it as a slight, if I’m not the leader

And I’m not the chosen one, I don’t just have to be right

But I can be what’s left as the option, and left

To defend and be stern and calm and

Unnecessarily polite

I hope

I hope that they’ll say I was tough

I hope that they’ll say I was up to the hype and

I hope they’ll say I was enough

I hope I’m enough of the grace under pressure

I hope that I’m built for the rough

I just hope

I hope on paper

When words cannot whisper what’s needed

And those sweetest thoughts I could let escape out

Are not worth it to be repeated

It’s not what I get every time that I seek it

Which is why I hope I don’t actually need it

I hope

I hope that I’m blessed with more strength than the stressin’

Can teach me the best of my preconceived lessons

And test me to not ask the epic of questions:

What am I actually hoping for here?

I hope

I hope I never have to hear that

Which I truly know I don’t truly revere

I hope the truth finds me as I become near

It all becomes mine and it all becomes clear

For maybe it’s your words that were burning my ear

And not rising flames to my sides and the rear

That advance me as wickedness quickly appears

I hope

I hope I’m prepared, that I’ve rose to the tier

Where I can just grin, and I can just sneer

And call in a favor to get to the clear

And labor enough to deserve all the cheer

And savor the flavor of tables of beer

I hope I combat through the fear

On the road that unfolds as I steer

I hope