SUMMER 2008Ken Thompson
SeavilleWhatever it is
photo by Ken ThompsonPlease bear with me … as I am going to write this as I go, without an outline for my thoughts to follow, without a point to make, without a specific audience in mind … So here goes.
It was a few months ago. One of those odd Sundays at Seaville MM when First Day School and Meeting with a Concern for Business fell on the same day, and of course, more kids than adults stuck around. So the kids were let outside to play. And us adults were locked, bolted, and tied to our chairs inside Friendship Hall to go over the finances and listen to committee reports, and in general, feel the time drip by like cold syrup waiting at the yawning mouth of a bottle. Anyway, we were all there to ponder all the things there were to ponder, and the kids were left to laugh and…
And the kids were busy too, but their minutes did not drip past, but seemed to unwind, ticking with giggling and excited voices, that surged though the sidewalls of our hall. Outside they were playing. Turns out they had gathered every downed branch and twig from the yard and built what could be considered a teepee or hut, or clubhouse, a fort – whatever it could be termed was of no concern or bore no consequence to them. That did not matter to them. And they never said what it was. They left that to the adults to name it, because us adults need to have a name for everything.
And they used every branch and twig that each one found – none were refused. Long and short, thick and thin, bark and bared, bent, crooked, branched, straight, oak, maple, hickory, pine – all used to pile over a hollow where the kids could play. No plans, no one in charge, no standards or codes to meet. No C.O. certificate needed. And still it stands. And as branches and sticks are found in the yard, they are added. And every time First Day School gathers, there is a meeting in that hollow that is only big enough , or small enough, for just the kids to fit in, and the voices fill the air with stars (stars can come out during the day…).
Well now, I guess I need to bring this story to a point. Adults need points. A bit of wisdom. I should give you something to ponder so you can ponder. But I won’t. I trust that you can make your own point. I’m not going to.
By the way, Meeting with a Concern for Business did end –three days later, or maybe it just seemed that way. It seems that way when I struggle to get untied …
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Last modified:
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 11:55 PM
