#264 Good Hope

I have always loved language.

I especially enjoy creative writing and finding novel ways to express myself so as to appeal to my audience.

As an elementary classroom teacher, I loved teaching writing (and especially creative writing) to my students.

It is one of the things I have - over the years - missed most as I moved from the classroom to being an administrator.

I am mindful that despite being a wordsmith, sometimes one’s thoughts and aspirations are best expressed through someone else’s words (be it a saying, a song, a poem or one of many other ways of expressing oneself).

I appreciate that - despite being simple in terms of format, concept and word choice - Benjamin Zephaniah’s poem, Good Hope, clearly expresses hope and belief in making our world better for all. Today is as good a day as any other to share it.

Good Hope

I believe

There is enough food

On this planet

For everyone.

I believe

That it is possible

For all people

To live in peace.

I believe

We can live

Without guns,

I believe everyone

Is important.

I believe there are good

Christians

And good Muslims,

Good Jews

And good not sures.

I believe

There is good in everyone.

I believe in people.

If I did not believe

I would stop writing.

I know

Every day

Children cry for water,

And every day

Racists attack.

Still every day

Children play

With no care for colour.

So I believe there is hope

And I hope

That there are many believers

Believing

There is hope.

That is what I hope

And this is what I believe.

I believe in you,

Believe me