had a little caucus practice

with my class of kinders

to help them

to understand

the process.

they all began by

standing on one side

or

somewhere in the middle.

we also had two happy monkeys,

curious george on one side

and 

soft cuddly monkey on the other.

each made big promises,

each told

what they would do for the kinders

if they picked them.

each worked

to get the kinders on their side.

one promised 

ice cream every day

one promised 

3-hour recesses

one promised 

no naps

and

on and on

went the promises.

and the littles

ran

back and forth

back and forth

as they heard

the promises made.

yet

one stood alone

and

never wavered

knowing what she wanted

and what she believed in

right from the beginning.

no naps.

ever.

and

when it was over

and the rest

had run

back and forth

and

back and forth,

she was still standing

where she began.

stronger than ever

smiling

and 

wide awake.

the decisions you make are a choice of values

that reflect your life in every way.

– alice waters

—

credits: googleimages