Modern-Day Emily Dickinson Penning her “Hope” Poem at Different Stages in Her Life

“Hope” may be thing with feathers, but a modern-day Emily Dickinson has a lot more on her mind than just staring out her window looking at birds.

I. In high school bemoaning a,like, ginormous zit:

“Forever” is the thing with height 

OMG! “Forever” is the thing with height
That perches on my nose –
And throbs in triumph –
And never goes away – at all –

And vilest – in the Mirror – is seen
And worthless must be the creams
That should abash this massive blemish
That cost so much for me –

I’ve cursed it in the strongest way –
And prayed upon my knees
Yet – never – in Mercy
Has is gone away – for me

 

II. As a college student after Obama is elected President:

“Hope” is the person on the poster

“Hope” is the person on the poster –
That perches in our dreams –
And sings the tune with eloquent words
And never stops – at least for eight years (I hope)

A first – in history – is our president
So sore must The Birthers be –
That could abash the history maker
That makes our hearts sing –

I’ve heard him bashed by the racists –
And the bigots on TV –
Yet – never – in Extremity
Can they lessen the glee – in me

 

III. As a mother of two:

“Escape” is the thing in the wine glass

“Escape” is the thing in the wine glass –
That perches on the counter –
And beckons me without words –
And never stops – at all –

And sweetest – in the Chaos – is sipped –
And careless must be the kids –
That could hapless knock the glass
That kept Mama so relaxed –

I’ve drunk it from sippy cups –
And even in the morning –
Yet – never – in Full Whine
It asked a snack – of me

 

IV.  After the first six months of Trump’s Presidency:

“Horror” is the thing with a Twitter account

“Horror” is the thing with a Twitter account –
That lurches in White House mean –
And tweets the world without brains –
And never stops – at all –

And the latest – by White House staff – is heard –
And non-existent must be the force –
That could break those little thumbs –
That keep so many scared –

I’ve read them all in disbelief–
And, oh the misery –
Yet – never – THANK GOD
It grabbed the p****y – of me