Contagious

Summary

The article poetically explores the concept of "Hope" as a contagious and beneficial force akin to a virus or bacteriophage, drawing on literary, mythical, and scientific references to illustrate its transformative power.

Abstract

The author likens "Hope" to a virus, not in a negative sense, but as a positive, life-enhancing entity similar to bacteriophages that benefit the human gut. Drawing inspiration from Emily Dickinson's poem and the archetypal characters of "The Wizard of Oz," the piece suggests that hope can spread from person to person, providing strength against despair. It posits that hope is not a guarantee of a happy ending but a catalyst for personal growth and resilience. The article also touches on the scientific aspects of viruses and bacteria, emphasizing the dual nature of such microorganisms as both harmful and beneficial to life. The author reflects on the paradoxical nature of mistletoe as a symbol of love and a parasitic plant, further illustrating the complexity of hope as a concept that can both uplift and challenge us.

Opinions

"Hope" is personified as a beneficial virus or bacteriophage that can positively influence the soul, akin to the character Glinda from "The Wizard of Oz."
The author believes that hope is not a one-time solution but a continuous process that helps individuals grow and overcome obstacles.
The article suggests that hope can be infectious, inspiring trust and courage in others, much like the characters in "The Wizard of Oz" use their minds, hearts, and courage to overcome challenges.
The author expresses a fascination with the archetypal nature of "The Wizard of Oz" characters, indicating that these mythical elements have a deep impact on our understanding of hope and personal journey.
There is an acknowledgment of the dual nature of scientific phenomena like viruses and bacteria, which can be both detrimental and essential to life, similar to how hope operates in human experience.
The mention of mistletoe serves as a metaphor for the duality of hope, being both a cherished cultural symbol and a destructive parasite in nature.
The author expresses gratitude to the community and readers for fostering hope in their hearts and for providing a platform for such reflections.

what if “Hope” were as contagious as a cold?

“Hope” is the thing with feathers — That perches in the soul Emily Dickinson

Emily called it the thing with feathers. I call it a virus,

one of the good ones, like bacteriophages perched in our gut. “Hope” — an infinitesimal and infinite Glinda wielding infinite and monumental magic against infinitesimal, infinitely ghastly green Wicked Witches. Bitches soaring into flight on bloodstreams.

“Hope” is not happily ever after any more than one cold inoculates against all others. But, within forests of despair blighted with lions, tigers, and bears oh, no,

dripping with mistletoe and flop sweat

we can use mind, heart, and courage to summon a ruby-red sequined flutter of faith that — “Hope” willing — infects others, stopping up their soul with trust enough in heel-tapping’s wizardry to see

a way clear

on hot air balloons with all our wings for ropes.

I know. Emily Dickinson, viruses and bacteria, and the Wizard of Oz in one poem?

The Oz part is entirely the Muse’s fault; she seems stuck on Oz lately. And how could I argue? I’ve read more than one article on the archetypical nature of the series.

The virus/bacterial part is the “science” half of my response to Science and Soul’s prompt:

I have come to see “Hope” as a good bacteria, a bacteriophage that must infect our inner Hero’s soul if our journeys are to be successful. Not successful as in happy happy happy ever after but as in growth-inducing.

We grow wings. We soar. Until we’re forced to land, this time on a higher plane, and we repeat the whole process all over again.

A word about mistletoe. We kiss beneath it at Christmas but it’s a parasite! Its genus name, Phoradendron, means “thief of the tree.”

Thank you, team at Science and Soul, for the home for this poetic quilt for “Hope.” Thank you, dearest readers. You instill “Hope” in my heart.

Contagious

what if “Hope” were as contagious as a cold?

Hope

A ray of light