August Blog 2024

​HOPE

“Hope” is the thing with feathers
​BY Emily Dickinson

"Birds" Original Oil Painting by Yvonne Dagger

“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.

---

I've never placed much hope in the word "Hope."  I always felt that whenever I hoped for something, it never ever happened in the way I had hoped it would be. Therefore, when I heard this poem called “Hope” is the thing with feathers" written by Emily Dickinson, I began to see a different side of hope. When I researched the meaning of this beautiful poem, I learned that the hope Emily Dickinson refers to is a "reminder that hope is something that lives inside us all. We're never alone in times of tribulation as hope is there singing the voice of encouragement."

"Hope" is metaphorically transformed into a strong-willed bird that lives within the human soul—and sings its song no matter what. Essentially, the poem seeks to remind readers of the power of hope and how little it requires of people."

I don't know about you, but I needed to hear the words in Emily Dickinson's poem today! Each of us needs to be reassured of the hope that lives within our souls. 

Sometimes we don't realize just how strong and brave we really are. Until we are reminded that deep within ourselves is a strength and courage that's uplifting and full of encouragement. It's a peaceful and tranquil little bird with a mighty strength. The bird sings within the soul and is always there. That's where hope is. Hope resides in the heart and is often used for good. 

"Hope" is the thing with feathers is one of the best-known of Emily Dickinson's poems. As an extended metaphor, it likens the concept of hope to a feathered bird that is permanently perched in the soul of every human. There it sings, never stopping in its quest to inspire."

Emily Dickinson's poem has made me rethink the word "Hope." I see it in a completely different way now.  Now it's a word that I can "go to" and use all of the time with inspiration and peace. According to Emily Dickinson, Hope lives inside of our hearts like a bird with feathers singing inspiration, encouragement and strength. 

I learned that Emily used the birds as a symbol of hope because "Birds sing and fly, they perch, nest, and move constantly. By comparing hope to a bird, Dickinson is showing how fleeting hope can be. Sometimes we can hear hope like we hear a bird, but not see it. Sometimes hope, like the bird, is sitting silently in front of us."

How comforting those words are to me.
​I "HOPE" they're as comforting to you too!

Have a happy August, everyone!!
Happy tales to you all!
​xoxo Yvonne

Bibliography
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/video/77372/hope-is-the-thing-with-feathers
​"Hope" is the thing with feathersWikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › "Hope"_is_the_thing_...
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