The Teacher

My brother, DeLoy, offers suggestions for my Blast-From-The-Past Blog, as if I’m not wordy enough already.  But I can’t resist.  Both suggestions he sent today made me cry.  I don’t know why.

He takes a ragtag

band program

of around 20 students

and develops

it

into

a remarkable

philharmonic of 175

young musicians

with

rhythm

cadence

tempo

pulse

tone

euphony

harmony

confidence

discipline

honor

distinction

After the concert,

one mother comes up

attacking him

his character

his leadership

his ability

because her son

rotates with the other percussionists

to all the instruments

including the bells.

“He has more talent than that ––

He deserves more time on the snare drum.”

“A mother steps in to protect

 and promote her child,”

she summarizes with scorn.

I didn’t know that.

I should have stepped in to

protect and promote my son,

The Teacher.

First Place Creative Writing, Prose, People, 2001 Santa Barbara Fair & Expo in California.