Emily Dickinson's "Hope" ...

Let hope be the theme for dark times, for the end of the year, for all times. And few can better describe hope than Emily Dickinson.

Emily Dickinson (1830-1886), one of America’s greatest poets, is popular for her crisp and straightforward poetry that unravels the most ordinary aspects of life. With a razor-sharp observation she takes in and deeply lives every moment and atom of existence, celebrating the wonder and mystery, the light and dark sides of every shade and tint of life.

Here is her tribute to the quality of hope that can uplift the soul and sing without words, that is the best companion in the hardest times. Hope is the little bird whose song keeps everyone alive and even the darkest times perhaps cannot silence this bird. Emily says she has heard the song of hope in the worst times and places, but hope has never demanded anything in return. Hope is available to all who dare to hope, free of charge.

“Hope” is the thing with feathers

“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