“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.
Emily Dickinson wrote this poem and, although hope is fragile, it has the potential to always be with each of us. Even in the most difficult and inclement times, hope can keep us warm.
More than at any other time in my life, I try to find hope particularly in the small everyday things. I might call those things banal. I often use the opening lines of the poem in writing, publishing, and presenting, which is related to hopeful and nonviolent pedagogy and can be found at Academia.
When I look closely and am mindful of my words and actions, I find seeds of hope in my life that make a change for those closest to me and, in turn, hope they and I nurture those seeds. As bell hooks and Thomas Merton wrote, we enter into communion to take us beyond words and speech. It is an intimate and loving way of being together, sharing, and communicating.
Today, I read Carrie Newcomer‘s Substack essay and the lyrics to her song Sanctuary. What do we do in moments of despair. In a conversation with her friend and mine Parker Palmer, she received the following advice. There are times we march and speak out. Other times, we seek sanctuary, gathering with those we love and respect to share our stories and encourage each other. The word courage comes from the French coeur, meaning heart. What we do is heartfelt as we share the hurt we feel with each other in moments of compassion, the sharing of what we love and the suffering as we look at how it might be overturned. We are not alone. We need to lean on each other and take appropriate action and speak appropriate words even to those we disagree with. Take heart and retain hope in trying times by looking for those people and things that give us hope on a daily basis.
I leave you with Sanctuary by Carrie Newcomer.
ivonprefontaine
Teacher as Transformer 
“Hope” by Emily Dickinson has special meaning to me. First, we do need to hang on to hope through the positive things that happen in our lives. Today, when I was getting groceries, someone helped me reach something from a high shelf. Another returned my cart to the store. It gives hope that there is goodness in the universe if we pay attention. Second, a dear friend sometimes portrays Emily Dickinson, and this is one of her favorite poems. I hope your world is a pleasant one.
It is those little things, the mundane and profane of everyday life, that keep us coming back. As you look for hope in those small things, so do I.
Thank you for the heartfelt message in the poem, the beautiful song, and the hope you’ve reminded us of how to move ahead in the future.
You are welcome and thank you Janet. We need each other and moments of refuge in dark times.
Me encanta el Poema de Dickens, muy cierto, la esperanza nunca nos abandona y como bien escribes mantiene nuestra alma caliente. Mientras exista la esperanza, la fluirá mucho para nosotros y todas las personas, es como un saber que se puede….me atrevería a pensar que cada vez que la necesitamos esta allí, acariciando nuestra vida y abrazando nuestro corazón.
También pienso que “No estamos solos”, con personas más afines que otras puede ser, pero mientras exista esperanza, habrá empatía y solidaridad, y todo será mucho mejor.
Santuario es todo un refugio me la marque para tenerla a mano, un bella noche y fuerte abrazo
Thank you Regina and big hug back filled with hope.
Beautiful.
Thank you.
Emily Dickenson’s poem is simply beautiful.
“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all…
I’m sure, Ivon, that we all interpret these words in slightly different ways. And yet, we are all looking for the same reward and result. Such is the human spirit.
By the way, it is lovely to hear from you.
Thank you Carolyn. Yes, we will each interpret it a bit differently. Part of my interpretation is the fragility even though hope is always with us.
Awesome!
I have an original, rare signature by Emily Dickinson (that i’ve had for many years).
Although not as rare, I have a Parker Palmer signature I value deeply. Parker was, is, and continues to be great influence in my life. Having said this, I am still a wit bit envious.
Ivon, it’s been awhile since we heard from you. And, as always, it’s worth the wait.
What an apropos poem coupled with your kind and wise words to soothe hurting humans, weary souls, and bleak spirits.
We are facing challenges here that were unexpected and what we have is hope. Reaching out to and connecting with those who feel especially vulnerable is what is giving me hope.
As I have been sharing, we will hold hands and walk together through the challenges that lie ahead. Courage, indeed. Love, always and in all ways. 💜🙏🏻
Thank you Carrie. I am going to try be active. There is a need.
I think a key is to remember those we do not always agree with might be the most harmed in times like this. The hope, courage, and love begins close to home as we reach out to support each other.
Ivon, I agree with you. Many of those are in my family. What I need to say to them in the wake of this is unclear at this point. None have reached out and I will speak when I know I can do so with compassion, acceptance and grace. For now, the human me needs the company of those who are with us, not against their own best interest and themselves which they project. Peace and kindness is my safe place.
Beautiful words of hope…
Thank you for the kind words Iris.
You’re welcome Ivon.
Thank you, Ivon. Much needed for us in America.
You are welcome Michele. Much needed here in Canada, as well
👍👍👍👍
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
I liked “Sanctuary.” I needed that message.
I think we all need a similar message.