Conversation with a Twelve-Year-Old in a Bronx Classroom

A talk with a student that inspired and touched me...

Conversation with a Twelve-Year-Old in a Bronx Classroom

 

I don’t even think he knew I was crying,

As I listened to his story,

Because he was elsewhere, filled with so much joy,

 So much joy that, his face and energy changed

Into something, I have never seen before,

it was so beautiful and pure.

 

All I did was ask him, what was it like, back in Bangladesh,

He thought for a moment, and I told him that I heard the weather was hot, and the insects were huge,

And then he went back, a wide smile came over his face and his eyes left the room,

“There are frogs everywhere, everywhere!

And I could climb and get food from a tree, mangos and litchi, …

And lizards in every corner, the city is busy, but back in the villages, there are stars in the sky…”

 

It wasn’t what he said, but the way he said it, and the transformation from leaving the mundane

classroom, and going back to what he called home.  

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

I saw the light in his eyes and the far away expression. This is a beautiful piece to read. It makes me appreciate how difficult it must be for children to emigrate to another land. They must miss all they left behind. Thank you for sharing Amanda.

Chris

[Gee]

Oh to be a child again :) Not a worry, care just a world full of discoveries and fun there to enjoy and explore.
Couldn't imagine going from Bangladesh to the concrete jungle of the Bronx where wildlife must surely be limited to birds!!
Enjoyed your writing Amanda