Another week is coming to an end, another week where we find ourselves confronting more springboards for distress — on the pandemic, on the climate, on the political environment, and so many other areas of concern. On Steady, we have tried to put these issues into context, and we will continue to do so. But part of what we hope to accomplish with our community is finding ways to break through the cycles of gloom. For there are also reasons for hope, buoyed by the courageous actions and service of millions of our fellow citizens, and countless more around the globe.
With this in mind, I would like to share a source of inspiration. In troubled times, I often turn to poetry — an art form that evokes the pain and beauty, the hope and fear, the powerful crosscurrents that make us human. A personal favorite is by Emily Dickinson, verses that have brought me no shortage of comfort in the past. I know that contending with despair will always be part of life’s challenges. That means that hope, “the thing with feathers,” can be a motivating force that allows us to keep going.
“Hope” is the thing with feathers
Emily Dickinson
“Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -
And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -
And sore must be the storm -
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm -
I’ve heard it in the chillest land -
And on the strangest Sea -
Yet - never - in Extremity,
It asked a crumb - of me.
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@DanRather #DanRather 💜💜💜💜Thank you so much for such great poetry. #Hope is the thing with feathers really made my day🐦
Thank you for reminding me of what I always thought of "Hope ".