The Fatherless

I have to say one of the coolest things of being a teacher, among many, are the rare chances that you get  to see two opposite type of kids work together that really have nothing in common. Typically where one of the kids should and usually bullies the other.  But when they, in some conversation, in some rare full-moon, Twilight-type moment they agree on something and laugh together.  I witness such a gift earlier this week and I can't seem to shake it.  It was my last period of the day and the kids are pretty ruthless, all crazy like they just can't contain their pubescent chit-chatter of who slept with who and who got beef with who.  The kids got a few minutes as a reward to 'do their thang' and talk, relax and take a break from their assignment.  It was then that the above described moment happened. It's like the East and the West seem to meet up and embrace each other or some out of this world experience.  The two boys were talking. Laughing. Sharing.  About what though?

Their memories of their father before they were both sent to prison.

The boys connected with their unrestrainable anger.  The only thing their fathers seem to leave them with.  Anger.  They both shared stories of punching numerous walls, fits of rage that has left them with scars from poor decisions in the heat of passionate, mind-numbing rage.  They love their fathers and even though they left them with these storms of violence they love their fathers.  Respect them.  Want to be just like him.  Isn't that what we all yearn for? A Father's love?

Hughes

There are words like Freedom
Sweet and wonderful to say.
On my heartstrings freedom sings
All day everyday.

There are words like Liberty
That almost makes me cry,
If you had known what I know
You would know why.

- Langston Hughes

There are times when only poets can speak for your heart beats. Journey with me.