we raised our dreams up like an old worn tattered kite
and we prayed for a fairer wind to blow
and when the gales came we held on with all our might
determined never to let go
though the strings cut out hands
holding steadfast

we planted dreams like seeds in cultivated soil
and we prayed for a gentle April shower
and when the deluge came we built the levees high
against the flood that kept rising every hour
though the sandbags broke our backs
holding steadfast

we chased our dreams like children hunting fireflies
through the night, mason jars in outstretched hands
til in captivity their light refused to shine
we unscrewed the bands, released the lids
and let them all fly free