I see hope deferred

Homeless in the dirt

Choking on the violence

Of our every stifled word



I see hope deferred

Hiding in the back row

With no concept of worth

A life spent in the shadows



I see hope deferred

Longing for eternal release

Another **** up year

Struggling in the streets



I see hope deferred

In every motherless child

Hanging on to a bad cough

Hearts sick with denial



Can you hear hope deferred

Calling out for assistance?

Would you bridge the gap

Or stand deterred by the distance?



I know hope deferred

Thick chains around the soul

Constantly on the run

From the noise between my skull



I see hope deferred

Traded in for hope revised

Pull off your skeleton clothes

Put on the cloak of a bride



I see hope deferred

Overcome by recovery

I'm taken back by mercy

And the love which covers me



I know hope deferred

Will be gradually displaced

With the venom in our veins

Through a sure movement of grace



I see hope deferred

Finally removed from this place

The nations rest in God

Sunlight softly warming their face