This introspective poem, by Madhu, explores the decision between acceptance and hope in adversity, exclusively for Different Truths.

Hope for the best
or accept defeat
Which is better?
Acceptance levels things
hope acts as a palliative
Keep going, keep going,
but where to and for what?
When nothing's going to change 
thoughts of a miracle are sold
sold to extract the last drop of blood
the last breath of emotion
until both the dying
and the supporting
disintegrate 
lose their strength 
lose their sanity!

Picture design by Anumita Roy

Madhu Sriwastav

Madhu Sriwastav is a Kolkata-based academic, poet, short story writer, reviewer and translator. Her poems have been published and anthologised in National and International journals and magazines, both online and in print. Her debut book of poems, Trips Climbs Circles, has received rave reviews. She received the Jury Award 2022 in the Panorama International Literature Festival. Her latest book is a translation of Chitra Mudgal’s award-winning novel, Post Box No.203, Nala Sopara, by Sahitya Akademi.