Reading To Children
Suspend all disbelief. Lay aside your cup of cynicism and cloak of doubt. Clear the mist before your eyes And see all things anew. Such sights never existed before this moment, never to come this way again. Up-turned faces with eyes so wide. Eager to trust the story you are about to tell and follow where you lead. This story is for you to tell. To give it life and breath. Free to express, gesticulate with hands and heart. Laugh, weep, let surprise light up your face. Give the story life. I am, in this instant, what I always wished to be, A storyteller. A spinner of yarns and teller of tales Both tall and small, broad and narrow that overwhelms their wall of indifference. I am the one seated at the fire with magic. On my tongue, at the tip of my fingers, Baton raised about to guide the adventure. Into the heart and soul of fantasy or fact. If only I can persuade them to believe. As I believe for a moment so brief. I can immerse myself in the fantasy, MUST immerse myself if I am to convince them os this story beyond everyday belief. From “Once upon a time” to “The end”. My task is to engage, sweep them into the story. And somehow make them see what I see. And understand the lesson that adult reason. Sees with such clarity.
The minstrel, the balladeer the itinerant wizard. Knows that this process lies at the heart. Of their craft. And if you cannot speak to children With convincing certainty and absolute honesty. Then the audience, young or old, will drift beyond your reach.