LETTERS: GOOD REASONS FOR HOPE ABOUND IN OUR FAIR CITY

To the editor:

During a lull in a rather tough winter, the sun is bright, the gutters are dripping and the first seed catalogs with wonderful colored photographs of rutabagas and creeping phlox are delivered to our door by the trusty postman.

Along with the morning paper is another item, the Program Guide of the Parks and Recreation Department. Both are worthwhile reading and illustrate the truth of Pope's line about hope.

In l946, as we were driving to my brother's wedding, my friends and I spent two days in Yellowstone Park. That was long ago, but I have not been the same since. What is the history of this place? How long has it been here? I had heard of Old Faithful. It lived up to its name.

I have been battered by certain friends who tell me that life is a stinking game and who years ago saw the movie "On the Beach" and urged me to build a bomb shelter posthaste. Such people have never read a seed catalog or visited a public park.

On my first visit to Yellowstone I wondered at the nature of a government so kind as to develop such a park, or any park. But then the cynics around me tell me that the state built it for evil and sinister purposes. Oh dear. How can I remain so stupid? A newcomer to our city lamented that the city had no active recreational program, as did the city from which he had come, but he admitted that he knew nothing about what the parks and recreation program was here.

I am astonished by the variety of activities. Read the current guide.

Do you know that our city has two dozen parks or thereabouts? And that we also have the use of the contiguous county parks? Were I so inclined, I could study Tsekwondo and Baton Twirling. Friends tell me that when relatives come from elsewhere they may arrange to come at those times when courses are offered that their kids can study.

These departments are well run. Members of the group distinguish themselves as experts. So don't give up on the city. Pope may have been right.

And perhaps this spring I may be able to grow asparagus.

PETER HILTY

Cape Girardeau