Hope

I have been reflecting deeply on human resilience and hope lately. With the barrage of troubling news and ongoing global crises, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the disarray in the world. Acknowledging this chaos is necessary, but it is equally important to recognize the hope and resilience that persist among humanity. While I may find it easier to express this perspective from a place free of active wars, severe climate crises, and violence, I am aware of the struggles faced by many. It is critical to remind one another that, despite these challenges, hope can endure. Here, I share Emily Dickinson’s poem "Hope" to serve as a poignant reminder of this truth:

“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.

WORDS: Thinzar Kyaw
PHOTO: Thinzar Kyaw
LOCATION: Miami, Florida