I’m not exactly sure that “hopes” are things that can be quantified in categories like “biggest” or “smallest,” but here’s my go at it anyway for Day 6 of the 31 Days in Seuss challenge:
MY BIGGEST HOPE
Pageant contestants with their big empty smiles
And big empty eyes and feminine wiles–
All say the same when asked of their hopes.
“World peace!” they exclaim, like big empty dopes.
We ALL think, of course, that world peace would be nice,
But REAL hopes are typically much more precise.
They usually have something more specific to do
With you, your purview, and the things you pursue.
So, although I’ve lots of big hopes to convey
The biggest of all, I can’t help but say
Is a very clear-cut and crystal clear pining
For a “yes” that would be in great measure defining
Of all of the work, and the stress, sleepless nights I’ve endured
To procure the allure of a job well-secured.
It may seem quite selfish to be so in thrall
With the hope that I’m calling my “biggest” of all,
But what I long for most is the official extension
Of that sweet golden “yes” at my tenure contention.
If my tenure bid fails, there will be no excuse.
I shouldn’t have spent all this time writing Seuss!
I'm right there with you, sister. Wondered before I read it if your biggest hope was the same as mine. It is.