Choosing optimism

I have no reason to give for optimism

Other than the hope of survival

But the truth interrupts

Quickens my step and steals my breath

It has long been this way

So long I wish almost to wane

To give in, let it be done

Then I hear a small voice

I am not alone

I must go on

Until the final blow

I must stand tall

As if it makes a difference at all

It must

Or at least let it be known 

-Camille Delaquise

This poem appears in RISE, Camille’s second contemporary poetry collection. Choosing optimism reflects on hope as an act of conscious defiance — acknowledging despair without surrendering to it, and finding in endurance, witness and solidarity a reason to keep standing.

This poem is available as a contemporary poetry print on textured recycled card.