Thursday, February 24, 2011

SIGNS IN THE DARKNESS

"Late Night Fill Up", oil on birch panel, by Gerald Shwartz
Driving to school this morning, I noticed the obvious fact that road signs are shining and easily visible only when headlights strike them, and it brought to mind the students in my class who only occasionally show their smart side -- only occasionally astonish us with thoughts from somewhere in the far distance. They're like important signs hidden in the darkness of night roads, waiting for lights to flash across them so their meanings can be seen and understood. These kids stay silent for most of a class, but sometimes a single question or comment can bring a certain brightness to their faces, and it's then that they show some of the wisdom that's been there, like a sign in the darkness, all along.


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