... Circle Time ...

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

Long ago,

in another time in my life,

when I was a teacher of young children

and we were settling ourselves down to hear a story...

.

I would encourage them to trace

an imaginary circle

over their heads...

to their sides...

and front and back.

.

This was their story-time bubble

their own space

that held them like loving arms

as they listened with their heart

to the adventures of the likes of

Frederick & Frances & Ferdinand.

.

It was a magical time.

We all felt safe

as we sat in our sheltered space

We all knew that we belonged

and were connected

even though we were not touching.

.

Now those dear children are adults.

The FDA is telling them to

draw a circle around themselves

so we all can be safe

and be well.

.

And even though now we walk

and speak six feet apart

and don’t touch...

the story of the world

struggling to live...

.

Connects us

and tells us we all belong.

.

And we call on....

the courage of Ferdinand,

the wisdom of Frederick,

and the care of Frances.

.

We learned of long ago.

.

.

For Reference:

Ferdinand by Munro Leaf

Frederick by Leo Lionni

Frances by Russell Hoban