“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul.” – Emily Dickinson (1830 – 1886) U.S. poet
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When was the last time you dug down deep to find hope when facing something that felt hopeless at first?
“Hope” is the thing with feathers
By 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 –
[A]nd 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.
Commentary
Part 1. I get the impression that for the poet’s speaker, that there is no rule book for it. Then I notice there is no mention of wings which might imply its about to fly away. Instead, it’s like a bird, ever vigilant, in our soul singing away, day and night, whether we hear it or not.
Part II And even in the roughest, stormy weather, this tiny bird can be heard amidst crashing waves of despair mentioned in the NA quote.
Part III No matter where we find ourselves this tiny bird can be found. For free. Never seeking anything from us. This poem’s persistent reassurance is inspiring. And makes a strong case to believe in a thing. For which there is no rational basis other than perhaps our experience with it in the past.
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