Hope

By Audrey Levison

1976

The ominous dark cloud continued to blanket the earth.  It had first appeared three days ago and its effects were felt throughout the world.  Lethargy and sorrow filled everyone’s soul.  I opened the back door to listen for the sounds of birds which usually greeted me, but I heard only the wind crying as it passed through the trees.  With trembling hands, I picked up the morning paper which lay on the steps.  Opening it, I read the headlines which boldly pronounced:  HOPE HAS DISAPPEARED FROM THE EARTH!

My family joined me around the kitchen table as we listened to the latest news reports.  Leaders from every nation had joined philosophers, theologians and scientists in a meeting that began about 48 hours before and which was still in session.  Finally, they had concluded that an omnipotent power had surveyed the earth, passed judgment on mankind, and decided to reach into Pandora’s Box to confiscate the one remaining element which had sustained throughout the centuries – Hope.

Hope is the impetus which drives us to fight for life despite continuous obstacles.  It is the kernel, deep in mankind’s soul, which inspires the research scientist to spend endless hours alone in a laboratory seeking cures for illnesses and which, should he fail, sends him back to begin again.  Hope is the spark that enables a crippled child to rise each day to seek wholeness despite his affliction.  This same spark gives humans the strength to endure the pain of a terminal illness, mental depression, or grief.  Hope is vital to the artist who continues to try to create a perfect work of art, a message that will impose order upon chaos, meaning upon apparent meaninglessness.  It has sustained us and helped to keep us sane in an insane world.  Hope was always present, as silent as a puff of smoke, during the wars which have occurred throughout history.  In my lifetime, Hope spread its wings across the earth and gave courage to those pitiful solders who were stripped of dignity and forced to participate in the famous Death March on Battaan during the early days of World War II while, at the same time, it filled the souls of those innocent victims walking through the gates of the concentration camps in Europe.  Without Hope, many would have relinquished their will to live.

We cannot survive without Hope anymore than the fields of golden wheat can survive without the nourishment of rain and the life-giving rays of the sun.  A way must be found to appease this power that has acted so harshly.

But, has this power acted harshly?  Look back upon how we have abused the earth we inhabit.  We have destroyed beautiful forests and lakes to create inane gadgets, machines and chemical products which will further pollute the earth.  Countless numbers of people have been slaughtered in wars fought in the name of Justice.  We have created a contemptible sense of values whereby we judge not be deeds of charity but by the size of home and car.  A singer in a smoke-filled café is paid $125,000 per week and begrudge a surgeon $1,000 for saving the life of a loved one.  In recent weeks, we have heard angry voices raised against injustice and poverty.  Compassion is being replaced by fear and hate.

My family is still with me as we listen to the broadcaster inform us that through some invisible messenger, the power that has taken Hope from us will return if certain conditions are met.  It demands that we re-assess our sense of what is really worthwhile on earth.  We must extend empathy to those who are in need and re-destroy the Golden Calf.  Then Hope will be returned to earth.

We have no choice.  If we refuse, all will be lost.  Spring has returned to the world and if we halt the return of Hope, humankind, like a rose left unattended on the vine, will shrivel and die.