[net.kids] Children of Shangri-La

eokane@charm.UUCP (Evan Kane) (04/30/84)

I find Ed Turner's comments quite plausible in terms
of my own experience as a part-time day care center
volunteer.
I started out to write a poem extolling spontaneity and joyful
expression but the poem had a mind of its own and this is
what resulted.

     I Love Your Outdoor Voice

I love your outdoor voice,indoors or out,
It tells me of your joy and lets me share it,
But joy's infection spreads throughout the room
And fills all space with laughing, shrieking chaos.

The frenzy mounts and discipline dissolves
Until, at last, a victim picked by fate
Atones the wanton use of liberty
And forces me to dampen down the tumult.

I hold the little victim in my arms,
Concerned to know how deep his injury,
Perturbed by thoughts of upset parent's words,
And worried if he hurts beyond his wound.

I follow all procedures, fill out forms
And ask the nurse to treat the injury,
Aware of watchful eyes concerned for rules
Promoting safety and security.

And when, at last, his pain assuaged, the child
Is eager to begin again, I say,
Alright, perhaps, but no more for today,
Let's wait, at least, until tomorrow.

     Evan Kane 4/29/84