so much depends

upon

a red wheel

barrow

glazed with rain

water

beside the white

chickens

The Red Wheelbarrow by William Carlos Williams

“I mean, how often do you have those extraordinary elephant moments? Isn’t the world, our lives, filled with more chicken moments than anything else?”

-Anonymous

My Dear Friend,

From my personal experience, highschool was a bit of a disappointment. Having seen the affair portrayed in several different movies, I was expecting something a little more...transformative? I always assumed the transition from middle school to high school would serve as the end of all my worries. I would blossom into a confident, acne-free teen and would FINALLY be able to talk to boys without feeling the need to hurl. To my dismay, right? There was no makeover montage that led to a new and improved, confident Sammie Jo. There wasn’t a “Talking to the Opposite Sex for Dummies” book (well, I’m sure there was, but not in any of the bookstores I was going to). On a side note, there weren’t any random musical numbers either, but it wasn’t for a lack of trying (on my part, at least). No, high school was somewhat lackluster. I didn’t have any personal revelations during those four years of schooling. However, I cannot say I left the experience completely untouched. The change occurred gradually throughout my junior and senior years as the result of the most understanding, purest person I have ever known. You weren’t just my english teacher, but a true friend. You not only connected with every one of your students on a personal level, but your ability to make everyone you met feel a sense of belonging and appreciation is inexplicable. On behalf of all of the students to whom you lent a mothering hand, I am writing this piece in a vain attempt to thank you for everything you have done, and to make you feel even a fraction of the love and admiration you have blessed your children with. Although I cannot express how much of a mentor have been been, I can offer a moment in which you entirely changed my perception of the world.

It was just a regular school day. Nothing special. I was sitting in my english class reading when I overheard a quiet conversation going on across the room. You were analyzing The Red Wheelbarrow with a student and discussing the beauty of simplicity. Being a fan of Williams’ work, I tuned into the conversation.You began to talk of the extravagant elephants at the circus. With their enormous trunks and thunderous footsteps, it is easy to become mesmerized by these disarming, gentle giants. Because of enchanting moments like these, people often become so engrossed in searching for those breathtaking experiences that they fail to appreciate all of the simple, everyday beauties surrounding them. “I mean, how often do you have those extraordinary elephant moments? Isn’t the world, our lives, filled with more chicken moments than anything else?” Marveling at such a profound statement, I began to contemplate all of the chicken moments I may have missed whilst blindly chasing after my own elephant moments. How many times had I deprived myself of seeing the beauty held within the simplest of occasions? I had never realized how easy it is to take these “chicken moments” for granted. While I sat their silently examining my newfound appreciation for the simplicity of life, you rose from your seat and began to walk about the room, moving on to other topics while completely unaware of the effect your words had had on me.

Every day I make a point to appreciate the chicken moments, whether it be the way the sun shines through the leaves, two elderly people holding hands, or the days when I just feel like lounging around the house with my family. I have finally stopped looking for the elephant moments. I don’t need them anymore. For this, I am immensly appreciative. In all honesty, you have always felt like more of a friend than you have a teacher.

Thank you for the chicken moments,