A World of Darkness

A Four Letter Word Called Hope

photograph by author

What is this slippery thing called Hope, this blessing of faith in the fairness of life, this curse that dashes our dreams against the jagged rocks of reality, the realization that there is not just darkness in this world, but that evil oftentimes prevails?

Hope is defined as, “the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.”

As a child, I was full of hope and had faith in my dreams. I was told I could do anything I set my mind to, and that the world, although overwhelmingly large, had a fair plan for me. And I believed.

I believed good people received the blessings that those of poorer character did not, a sort of structured faith that every act of goodness would be returned to me, the universe’s policy of fairness written on stone tablets.

I believed thinking good thoughts would alter my environment, placing the power of positivity within my grasp, creating a safe place, guarding me against pain and despair.

I believed in Hope, that maintaining an earnest and authentic feeling of optimism along my path would connect me with the right people, at the right times, and in the right places…