When your entire world's in confusion

And nothing is going your way;

When happiness seems an illusion

And you can't see the light of day-

When the conflict inside you keeps growing

And your life seems like one big cliché;

You're weak from the struggle, not knowing

If anyone hears when you pray-

When you're feeling alone and mistaken

When none of your friends seem to care;

You're discouraged and visibly shaken

And you want to give up in despair-

As sure as Spring follows December,

And the newness of life comes along,

So too, you must always remember,

When it's darkest, it's just before dawn.

Naomi Hinshaw-Hersh

• Where It Begins