A Melodic Monday

Inspired by Cindy Chiu,Pancake Saturday

“Do you remember my name?” she beams up with her rosy checks twisting and swaying as I walk by. She and her classmates are waiting for breakfast.

With a beam on my face and a jump in my step, I chime in.  “I know your in Mrs. Ly’s classroom.” She smirks.

“I remember you as a writer.” I twist; I sway.  She giggles.

I stretch my words out as if it has a chance to pop into my mind.   “Give me a hint. What letter does your name start with?” My eyes glance down.  Memory a flash of shame, hope a reminder of a quizzical, curious nature, I embrace my heightened awareness. I welcome this moment between stimulus and response. I feel the tranquillity of possibility, opportunity, and hope.  I would much rather fill my space here than reside with fear and shame.

“A z.” She giggles.  

“It couldn’t be zebra, could it?” I snicker.  “ I know. I know. It’s Zoey!” I clap my hands as I feel the significance a name represents.  You are far more powerful than simply the symbols that create the sound.

“What about me? What about me?  What’s my name?”

The game continues.  

Monday, wonderful Monday, is for greeting eager children as they promenade to school to see you once more.  The shuffle of book bags and squeals of worn-out wheelie carts merge with sleepy greetings before the sun even arises.  The flick of a switch and scan of the room collides with a silence that won’t last long. The mixtape will soon play the melody of learners, embracing the benefits of curiosity.  Between the splatter of raindrops and bodies splashing puddles, children bounce into their room. And fist pump by fist pump, we begin to celebrate the day.