Yet we persevere, yet we hope

Robert Frost squints into the sunshine as he recites from memory, “The Gift Outright.” Our black-and-white TV magically puts us there as our country carries out its most sacred tradition, the peaceful transfer of power. I am 11 years old. I know it is a historic occasion. Hope is palpable.

Three years later, three rifle shots. Our eighth grade teacher had heard it on her car radio. Black-and-white images of the open convertible in Dallas, Texas. The widow with two little children. The flag-draped casket on the funeral caisson.

No explanations. No reason. No answers.

Grief.

Frustration.

Anger.

Disbelief.

Confusion.

And yet, we persevered.

And yet, we continued.

And yet, we hope.

STEVE JOHNSON

Sagle