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Where is Hope?

Where does hope hide

In photos of cremated babies

What happens to hope in a world devoid of color

Can she bury her thoughts on this black and white planet

Layered in pulverized gray dust masking the faces of the decapitated

Or in the melted black ashes of iPhone pics of weddings and bar mitzvahs

Where does she hide in the body of a raped and mutilated 16-year-old girl

Do her hands cover her eyes on viewing the elderly butchered in their homes

And does she wipe away her tears with a red heart-shaped napkin

Raising her head and closing her eyes to avoid seeing the blood-soaked floors

Putting a cloth up to her nose

One soaked in sweet temple oils to avoid the stench of death

While covering her ears to avoid the wails of screaming orphans

And tasting the fear clinging the bodies of the hostages

All the while knowing that we’ll pray or say, “Hope is not lost”

And feel her fist dig deep into our gut

About the Author

Florida's Jewish short-story writer, speaker, film producer and retired attorney. Mort is the co-editor of "Sea Of Tranquility---A Literary Anthology." The book is scheduled to land on the Moon in November of 2025 as part of the Lunar Codex Project. The Earthbound editions are now on sale on Amazon. He has also authored, "A Hebraic Obsession", "The Hanukkah Bunny" and "The Greatest Gift." Mort has produced an award-winning short film entitled, "The Stairs". Movie can be viewed for free online. ChatGPT says, "Mort is known for his works that often explore themes of love, loss, and the human connection. Laitner has published several books , including “A Hebraic Obsession.” His writing style is characterized by its emotional depth and introspection. Laitner’s works have garnered praise for their heartfelt expression and keen insight into the human experience." Mort was the president of the South Florida Writers Association and a correspondent for the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel Jewish Journal.