I would rather

“I would rather …” was that an e.e. cummings poem? I remember the emotion of reading it for the first time — “I would rather … than teach a thousand stars how not to shine.” Was that it? It took my breath away.

I love when words do that — move in your heart and say a hopeful thought. Add to the beauty in the world. I love when words do that. I would rather be a single Elwood P. Dowd than a thousand nattering nabobs sneering into the dark.

I would, wouldn’t I? Then why am I drawn to be sour sometimes, and snarky and hopeless? Yes, I try to be encouraging with my words and phrases, but sometimes I am writing my way out of discouragement. I confess, the hopeful words can be as much for me as meant for you, dear reader.

Give me a bright sunrise full of hopes and dreams for a new day, or a rainbow sunset full of gratitude and satisfaction, than a sky full of clouds and regrets. I have felt both, and spirits lifting is a lot more fun, a lot more comforting, a lot deeper, a lot longer-lasting.

Give me hope. Give me peace. Give me this day our daily bread. Please.

P.S. I looked it up: “I’d rather learn from one bird how to sing than teach 10,000 stars how not to dance.” — from “you shall above all things be glad and young” — Oh my.

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