What I Have

What I Have
by Gabe Redel


I see around me,
at all four walls,
that the room is bare.
No artwork has been hung.
A couch nor a table
has been set.

I am in the room
telling myself
that the walls will soon be decorated
with paintings
and large photographs.

I say that not too long from now
and the corners will be pushed
with furniture.

Telling myself
what is sure to happen
makes me feel better
about not having.

And that is called hope
and that is what hope is worth.
It isn’t a plan.
It isn’t what I want.
It simply helps me enjoy
what I do not have.