Monday, July 26, 2010

The Captain: Oliver



"Ms. Ryane?"

"Yes, Oliver?"

"I think I'll really be an actor when I grow up."

"That wouldn't surprise me one bit, Oliver. Why do you think so?"

"Because when I play Macbeth I feel like...."

At this point Oliver looked heavenward and stretched his arms wide.

"I feel like I go back in time to a wondrous place."

"Yeah, Oliver, I get it. That is what makes you an actor. You have the imagination for acting."

"Yeah."


We sat together and pondered these facts and wondrous places. I'm sure Oliver's mom would like him to be a doctor. So would I. But...

"You know, Oliver, you really are the captain of our ship."

He gave me a puzzled look.

"If we think of the Shakespeare Club and our production of Macbeth as a great ocean liner cutting across the sea, you are the captain. When you work hard and concentrate, the other kids follow your lead. They want to be like you. You know what I mean?"

Oliver looked across the schoolyard at his peers, wrestling and horsing around.

"Yeah, Ms. Ryane."

I instantly worried that I was overburdening the young fellow. As if playing the title role wasn't enough.

"Only one thing, Ms. Ryane."

"What's that, Oliver?"

"I just hope I don't run the ship into the rocks."

I put my arm around his shoulders and gave a squeeze.

"No chance, Oliver. No chance at all of that happening. Enjoy the ride — you already have smooth sailing."


CHILDREN'S WRITES: A Journal Entry
My future?

If I would be told my future, I would like to know if I had achieved my dream to become a writer, how successful I would be if would have a very big family, when I would pass away and how painful it would be, and finally, how many people will think of me.
Darby, 5th grade

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