Four fifth grade girls stood in a tight circle at the four square court. Arms folded and jaws tight, they leaned in, cutting sideways glances toward a stout ten year old named Wanda. Wanda, in her homemade, floral print dress and new sneakers, looked down. She stood ten yards away. I had seen such a […]
Tag Archives | Courage
Dream
I am standing on a playground that resembles my school’s yard – a flat asphalt square, wet, divided by the painted lines of play spaces. The blacktop sits adjacent to streets that pour downhill into alleys, apartments and a gathering mist. I can’t see the bay, but I feel it out there, beyond the fog. I say […]
Crow
When I came in to the front entrance to the school this morning I saw a squad car parked there. Uh oh said I. School is closed today. What’s up? I parked and approached to find an officer engaged in loud conversation with two women, both of whom cried and made big gestures with their […]
Seed
If you want to know what ‘brave’ looks like in a child, you have to let go of what you think you know. Shrink yourself down to no more than a few feet tall. Take away the cool confidence that comes from experience – the times you stood up, got knocked down, and then stood […]
Victory
Showing up on time, everyday, has its rewards. Little Victoria, a third grader, found that out this week when she won the grand prize – a triple scoop of ice cream on a sugar cone. To celebrate her victory, she chose vanilla! This vanilla was said to be the best in town. For my part, […]
