(A spark arising from a pandemic lockdown)

A four-letter word that stems from a wish or desire,
Much sought after when the year brings news that is dire.
Amidst chaos and pandemic that the globe has struck,
Is it substantial enough to believe in luck?

We HOPE a pain-free world there is to be,
A place that is rid of suffering, setting us free,
A cure is what we wish for, to bring this to an end,
The HOPE of something, to help us comprehend.

What is our role during...