Longing for Hope

Library Notes

Rowan Public Library

John Tucker

Longing for Hope

            Emily Dickinson wrote a poem titled Hope is the thing with feathers.  In it she contemplates the presence and communication of hope, which at times may become overshadowed by the darkness of the day.  In recent days, hope has been difficult to find in the newspapers, but a person may be encouraged through a variety of books from the public library. 

            Some people find hope in traveling to new places.  You could check out “The Best of the Appalachian Trail” series by Victoria and Frank Logue.  The two-book series offers information on the best overnight hikes and day trips, many of which are local outings for North Carolinians.  Should you prefer a beach setting, pick up the Insiders Guide “NC’s Southern Coast & Wilmington,” where you will find information to support your hopes for the “salt life.” Everything, except sand, is included from restaurants and attractions to maps and day trips.

            Others prefer to seek peace and hope in the presence of waterfalls.  You may want to pick up the book “Waterfalls of South Carolina” by Benjamin Brooks and Tim Cook.  There are thirty-one falls in all, many straddle the North and South Carolina border.  Such serene locations are sure to beckon forth “hope, the thing with feathers that perches in the soul…” as penned by Emily Dickinson.  When we cannot travel to see a waterfall, the illustrations of this text have captured some of the majestic visual cascading details.  If you require the audio soundtrack, run the bathtub and turn up the volume, but leave the book in the safety of the hallway.

            For others hope is found in the human heart and communicated through song.  Be sure to persue the library’s collection of books on songs and theater.  The story “How Can We Keep From Singing” written by Joan Oliver Goldsmith is but one suggestion.  This book is an encounter with the hopes, joys, and harmonies of making music together in a choir, chorus, or ensemble.  One might be in a leadership role with their singing, yet they are a follower of the conductor and musical score.  When we can’t keep from singing, we are embracing our creative spirit through a median that brings hope to others.

            If you like your music more recently recorded and Hip-Hop, your eyes and ears can rap to the essays about musicians of today.  The book “Best Music Writing 2011“ edited by Alex Ross and Daphne Carr features essays about musicians including: Vanessa Grigoriadis (Lady Gaga), Jay-Z, and Will.i.am who performed at the presidential inauguration.  Will.i.am said the hardest emotion to portray is joy.  “Joy is complex.  It’s somber, sad, happy, heartbroken and hopeful—it’s all these emotions in one.”  So to is hope.  It is complex and personally inspiring.

“I Gotta Feeling about this one”, said Will.i.am.

            As for me and my household, hope is found in the canonical writings of our religious practice.  And whatever your practice, the library has books for: interpretation, study, reflection and living out such teachings and wisdom.  No matter what your religious  practice, whether your scripture is the: Torah, Bible or Koran, the sacred writings provide hope to the believers.  These sacred books and study resources are available from the library.  Engage your mind with the written words of hope that speak to your lifestyle and tradition.

            When the news around us seems filled with despair from disasters, both natural and manmade, resources for hopeful diversions as well as hope inspiring wisdom are at your fingertips, and around the corner at the Rowan Public Library.