Many thanks to Helen Ivory for publishing on Ink, Sweat and Tears, my poem:
Hope lies like the edge of a teaspoon, upward facing, a thickness
perhaps enough solidness to knife
through a banana or other soft fruit
for safety for a baby or to get under
the edge of the surface tension
of the skin of a grape to start a peel.
Perhaps enough boldness to lever
the metal lid off the treacle for tarts
or the mini figurines enamel paint pots
or that tap root of your favourite
weed for a move to safety.
Perhaps enough cheek to plunge
unembarrassed deep into the Nutella pot
for a mouthful of pleasure, thick and sweet
or seek the bottom of the ice cream tub
lap cradled, for Pride & Prejudice again.
Perhaps enough crucible to cradle
nettles or rose buds to boil dead,
to trace around to sketch a face on paper,
or to measure the exact alchemy
needed to rise.
Apologies to Emily Dickinson for the title!