A Spot in the Front

This past weekend we went to a performance by the Louisville Leopards, a children’s percussion group. The Leopards have performed all over the country, and are well beloved in town for their skill and their energy. I found myself overwhelmed with joy, as I often do at live performances, and one little guy in particular will live in my heart for a long time. This draft was inspired by that little guy.

Belonging looks like the little guy in the front whose arms gestures are so big

they make a breeze in the topmost balcony.

It looks like barely-contained excitement

buzzing through his face as he taps the xylophone precisely,

attentively, with every eager adverb in his hands.

Love looks like shining eyes fixed on his teacher in the wings,

matching her breath.

Acceptance looks like the children all around him

leaning into each other and their instruments

folded together into their music home.