never to ring in the new age
never to give relief to the oppressed
never to convince the revolutionaries themselves

of the need for
social justice
compassion
understanding
peace.

Nevertheless,

contrarian word of hope

rainbows,

arcs that bend long
overcoming
becoming

the triumph of the weak
over the strong,

revelation that the cosmos
nurtures light
warmth and truth
proclaims to those who hear:

justice will come
encompassing,
surpassing

one blink of God’s eye
that are our mortal lives.