For M

You don't know why but you want to fight

If I could show you the view from the other side

This is the view from the other side...

This is how it is when it all gets wild

On the very first day of teaching, I saw him walk through the door. Right at that moment, I knew why I was there.

And as he stood in line with his classmates towering over him, he took me back to when I was his age.

He is me.

and I was once him.

Everyday, I watch him get nearly stampeded over.

I've seen him be pushed.

I've heard his peers picking on him. 

I watch him use familiar strategies I used to use, to stay safe.

I've felt his exhaustion from running during gym class, while his classmates are still mighty and running off their steam.

I see his frustration and his angst.

And I've noticed his courage on the brink of breaking.

and when he breaks, the things he turns to, to make him feel taller are pretend weapons.

This is going to change.

I can see he's ready.

I've felt his ambition and strength flourish.

His wildness and bravery are forming.

He is a small boy building himself to become goliath.

I'm  going to help him use a shield of power without guns or play swords.

We are molding his fierceness.

We are working on feeling tall when we feel small.

And he is learning that no matter how tiny he might feel around others, he'll always be loved.

I am lucky because being a small girl is more socially acceptable than being a small boy.

His path might be a rough one, and I know without a doubt he will get discouraged.

But I know he will pull through.

I am so glad to have walked into his life.

One of my purposes in life is to stand with the small ones.

We are fighters.

We are brave and free.

They say good things come in small packages for a reason.

Being an ant of a person in a world full of giants can be a challenge.

But it's also a challenge for a giant to face an unexpected force.

With the miles to go, he has miles to grow

 At the end of the year, I hope he leaves remembering what I am about to teach him...

Author's Note

Reviews

[Terry O'Leary]

An important lesson, insight! Well done

[ANTO]

This is beautiful Kathryn.

I saw a documentary the other day about the invasion of Czechoslovakia (1939) and the Jewish children were instructed by the local thugs that they were to sit at the back of class from that day forth.
The teacher whispered to the Jewish children (one by one) that from that day forth, sitting at the back of the classroom was considered an honour.
You remind of such teachers.

[Kathryn Smith]

Awww. Well thank you Anto. That is very humbling. I would've done the same. :) xx

[Alucard6336]

Well, I believe in you. This hasn't been reviewed yet? These people are crazy to ignore such a wonderful piece.

I was once oblivious to the world. Then, 5 years later, I was dumb. Another 5 years, I was then battle-hardened armor. I suppose it takes 10 years to get it right.

Also, you have a good soul. I can just tell.

[Kathryn Smith]

Thank you!! :) I appreciate it!! xo