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Citizen Hope a short story by Carol Murtaugh
(Writen during workshops at the CCLC with Barbara Baig)

Many years ago, when I was ten years old, I worked on Harry Truman’s campaign. Daddy took me to the train- whistle stop in Jersey City. And there was Harry, on the little caboose balcony waving and smiling. He said a few things, some of which I still remember. Then our County Chairman took me by the hand and we went right up to the train caboose, along with “ I am the Law Hague” of Tammany Hall. Our Chairman introduced me to the President.

“Mr. President”, he said, “I want you to meet Carol Ann, she is your youngest volunteer here in New Jersey.”

Harry smiled and shook my hand and said, “Thank you, I can see you know what is important Carol Ann. Lots don’t seem to nowadays."

And you know—I think I still do. Though I am not always sure anymore, I am long past ten, but I believe I still do know what is important. I hope so. Hope is an important word isn’t it?

 

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