Sing-songy sounds — no understandable words — caught my attention on my morning walk. I’m used to hearing children’s high-pitched voices. Usually, however, they’re more chattering than chanting.
Rounding the corner a block from home, I came upon the source of the sounds. A little boy who looked about kindergarten age and his (presumed) sister, a year or so younger. Out on their front porch, singing a dynamic duet. Telling their world that they weren’t “going to take it.” (No clarification as to what the “it.” is or was). Then—I’m not making up any of this— the two little rebels without an obvious cause looked at each other and together shouted, “What are you going to do with your life?”
This was not child’s play as I usually think of it.’
Where had these children heard the words belting out of their mouths? On what websites or channels had the words played so often that these kids had memorized them?And what could the words possibly mean to children who appeared to be 4 and 5 years old at best?That night the sidewalks of my neighborhood were silent,
as they are most nights. All sounds, noises, came from the TV in my living room. Along with millions of fellow Americans, I sat transfixed. Watching videos of American streets and sidewalks filled with marchers peacefully protesting perceived or experienced injustice.
Then viewing, as dark night fell, surreal—but real— images along with sounds of looting and violence being inflicted on cities and citizens.
Our great country with reasons to weep.
I’ve recently been reading “The Gift of Years,” by Joan Chittister. In it she writes, A blessing of these years is the power to dream, (to be) the voice of reflection, of reason…(of) awareness that comes with having been wrong and setting out to right it.”
My mind zooms back to memories of the morning. It occurs to me that “out of the mouths of babes” (psalm 8, verse 2) several hours ago had come valid points to ponder.
CONSIDER
What are the sounds from your sidewalks? What are those of us who are adults no longer willing to take? Or willing, instead, to give? What are you and I going to do next with our lives?
How interesting to know that small children pick up what they hear without knowing what it means. Your experience in overhearing the two small children must have been startling when you actually saw them. I like the pictures that go with your blog.
Thank you, Nora. Yes, it was startling. And then the more I thought about it– thought-provoking.