hope

(West Chop Lighthouse- Martha's Vineyard)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: A little cold with the weather around here but I'm at least warming up my fingers typing.
CALLIOPE: What are you busy typing?
JOE: Other than our discussion, the next item on my agenda is a letter to accompany the copy of Navigating Life I am sending to President Obama.
CALLIOPE: Really?
JOE: You sound surprised.
CALLIOPE: Isn't that a bit presumptuous?
JOE: I don't think so.
CALLIOPE: How come?
JOE: In his inaugural address the president said, "On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord."
CALLIOPE: I'm not sure how that fits in with your sending him your book.
JOE: The whole point of my book is to encourage people to look at the meaning of their lives and how they affect others. I want to let him know that I am working toward the goal he has set for us and which we have set by electing him.
CALLIOPE: I see. Then what?
JOE: I will continue pursuing this goal through my writing in whatever form it takes. Talk with you on Monday.

(Lincoln Memorial)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Excited.
CALLIOPE: About the inauguration?
JOE: Of course. I became frustrated and worried about the direction we have been taking as a nation.
CALLIOPE: Do you think Obama can change our direction?
JOE: Not by himself of course. But he can bring new leadership, inspiration and example.
CALLIOPE: What do you dare to hope?
JOE: That we can start hearing, seeing and feeling each other and become connected in seeking common goals rather than each grabbing whatever we can without concern for each other.
CALLIOPE: Sounds like a lot to hope for. Do you expect our whole nation to suddenly start acting concerned about each other rather than just themselves?
JOE: Of course not. Not everyone seems to accept that change is even possible. Some will keep grabbing what they can. Some will not even notice others in the same boat with them. Some have given up on doing anything different and will remain hopeless at least for the time being.
CALLIOPE: Then what is possible?
JOE: I think it's possible for those of us with hope to show how we care for each other and set a good example of the rest.
CALLIOPE: And you think that's possible?
JOE: I do and I plan to do my part to the extent I can through my writing. Talk with you tomorrow.