Hope

When I first moved into this neighborhood

While sitting on my open porch in the late night air

I often looked at my neighbors HOPE sign with a slight smile

I felt safe and at home with good people all about me

He told me that he installed the lighted sign at the beginning of Covid 2020

Because he wanted to inspire the medical professionals who live in our area

To stay strong and to know that they were appreciated

Tonight I look at the same word from behind my locked gate.

I realize that it now takes on an evolving layer of meaning.

I reflect on the concept that hope is verb, an action more than the noun we were taught it is.

Hope as an action is much stronger.

Hope is a doing.

Find your doing.

Fight hyperscale data centers, bring food to a neighbor, walk your friend’s kid to school, pay it forward in a grocery line, hand out whistles to everyone you meet, write poetry, attend rallies, get non-violence training, create and share your art.......

As more of us do our respective doing we will be stitching together something far stronger than their intent.

01/15/26 © Kathleen Dreier/ Kathleen Dreier Photography/ Voices Of Race

Martin Luther King’s birthday