Sep 24, 2010 2:52 PM
I feel heightened compassion for my students.
I am concerned that they don't know that they might die soon.
They are not treating each day as if it is precious.
They don't know.
Do I?
For some today they were student of the month
They felt the joy of the day
Glad to be alive
Proud of themselves
Ice cream and pizza for lunch at a special table with the principal
What could be better
A boy at the table
His mother died last year
He is always reaching out to others
Sharing any joy to be found
He had a good day today
To quote Roland Barth reflecting on his mother's death in the Sept. 13th 2010 New Yorker my dad sent me:
Now everywhere, in the street, the cafe, I see each individual under the aspect of ineluctably having-to-die, which is exactly what it means to be mortal. - And, no less obviously, I see them not knowing this to be so.
Rebecca
