Lost Hope

Finally - after hope walks out
the door forever, like a pimply
neurotic daughter who can't stand
you any longer - you realize

how much energy hope took, how difficult
it was to put up with her moods and threats,
her clutter and bright purple hair.
And you settle down to a simpler
life. You learn to almost forget.

Then, six months later, she's back-
knocked up and with a hopeless,
out of work boyfriend in tow.
“Don't worry, it's love.”

Life's just too rich to predict.

Art Beck