Monday's Poetry: "'Hope" Is a Thing with Feathers"

by Pa Rock
Poetry Appreciator


Bill Clinton and Mike Huckabee may have both been "from" Hope (Arkansas), but it was Barack Obama who so skillfully weaved the promise of hope into the social fabric of America.   With the imminent ascension of Donald Trump to the presidency at the end of this week, many of those whose dreams were given shape and voice by Obama now fear that hope is about to be sucked down one of Trump's golden toilets.

But as Emily Dickinson points out, "Hope" is one tough little bird.  Hang tough, America, and keep hope alive in the sanctuary of the soul.  Trump, too, shall pass.


"Hope" Is a Thing with Feathers
by Emily Dickinson


"Hope" is a 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.