“Millions saw the apple fall, but Newton asked why.”
~Bernard Baruch
Some of you might remember my good friend Lucas, though most of you probably will not. The last time Lucas was here, his words were reviewed on eldietario and he got all giddy. He’s been wanting to return ever since.
I keep telling Lucas he’s only ten years old, and should be directing attention elsewhere. Attention, he said, is exactly what he wants. The thing about Lucas is that he never tires of asking questions (his parents must not believe in baby talk), and wants to ask them in front of as many people as possible.
Though there are fewer readers of this blog than students at Abraham Lincoln K-8, the last time Lucas had them assembled in a single location, he was suspended for three straight days. Without further ado, here’s Lucas. I told him if today went well, he could come back and do it again.
Lucas Bright : I Know I’m Special!
My name is Lucas Bright. Grown-ups say I’m smart. They taught me to ask questions. I’m gonna go ahead and start.
Life can be confusing. There are a million different rules, a million different lessons, and a million different schools.
The ones I find most baffling are those that don’t agree. They make me feel like I must pull a five from only three.
Earth keeps whirling round and round. Sometimes it’s overwrought, with six and one half billion of us, all with different thought.
I have never had a question that every one of us is equal, but I’d like to crawl out on a limb and hand that thought a sequel.
If NONE of us are stronger, then how can we give assistance, to those of us who life’s seen fit to offer some resistance?
Perhaps we all should work a bit toward changing this expression, and then we might be able to advance that old impression.
You see, special means exceptional – or better than the rest, but if everyone is special, that means that no one is the best.
Life’s colors aren’t that black and white, they’re really rich and vivid. Now remember I am just a child, so PLEASE do not get livid.
But if someone knows they’re smarter and they know it from inside, is that the type of feeling that they should have to hide?
Why don’t we let them celebrate? Let’s hear ‘em shout it loud. Let them tell the world what makes them stand out in a crowd.
But there’s a cost to all the crowing, a piper they must pay. When they get that they are gifted, they should build a brighter day.
It’s like when those who have large muscles help out those a little weak, or when those who have loud voices speak for those who cannot speak.
I know that we’re all even when it comes to being special, but is it fair to ask if we all share the same potential?
Now here’s the way I see it (keep in mind I’m just a kid, and despite my parent’s wishes, often speak without a lid).
If the world is filled by those who can, and those who can’t as well, then those who can should KNOW they can, then HELP OTHERS to excel.
No matter who you are, there’s always someone who is more. If we recognize our cans and cant’s, then everyone can score.
I can help all those who need it. Others can help me. Like the waist and foot together are reliant on the knee.
So the next time someone says to me, “Hey Lucas, you’re so smart.” I’ll be glad that we can tell our subtle differences apart.
It’s okay that we have them. It’s okay they exist. It’s not doing all we can with what we have we should resist.
Writer Dad (and Lucas)
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Please note: Lucas Bright is not really ten years old, or even alive at all. He is purely a figment of Writer Dad’s imagination. He has many adventures, and this isn’t the first one written, but it is the one where he explains where he is coming from.
About Sean Platt
I never thought equality meant we were all the same…more that being equal, we all have the same opportunity to shine, the same opportunity to maximize our strengths and use them to bolster where others may be weak, and to allow others to bolster our weaknesses. We are all equally welcome to celebrate that which makes us uniquely us – because we can be unique and equal, individual and yet a part of the great humanity.
A skin cell is not a blood cell, but both are equally important to the body, and each helps the other function as it should.
Cool poem. :-)
Shade and Sweetwater,
K
Kyddryns last blog post..Because I Can
I never thought equality meant we were all the same…more that being equal, we all have the same opportunity to shine, the same opportunity to maximize our strengths and use them to bolster where others may be weak, and to allow others to bolster our weaknesses. We are all equally welcome to celebrate that which makes us uniquely us – because we can be unique and equal, individual and yet a part of the great humanity.
A skin cell is not a blood cell, but both are equally important to the body, and each helps the other function as it should.
Cool poem. :-)
Shade and Sweetwater,
K
Kyddryns last blog post..Because I Can
Hey WD,
Thanks for the link love. Just one wee little thing really, it’s eldiEtario. Dietario, incidentally, means planner in Spanish.
As for the main post, I agree, equality means to give everybody a fair chance to succeed.
(Btw, I’m giving away free subscriptions for philosopersnotes.com at my blog and I still have some left so…)
Miguel de Luiss last blog post..Oliver Twist lives (2): Who will buy this wonderful morning?
Hey WD,
Thanks for the link love. Just one wee little thing really, it’s eldiEtario. Dietario, incidentally, means planner in Spanish.
As for the main post, I agree, equality means to give everybody a fair chance to succeed.
(Btw, I’m giving away free subscriptions for philosopersnotes.com at my blog and I still have some left so…)
Miguel de Luiss last blog post..Oliver Twist lives (2): Who will buy this wonderful morning?
Wee Lucas is very smart. Did he “borrow” some of the clever things he said from a wee book?
Leanne Magraith | Forever Changes last blog post..Chocolate, Pizza, Ice Cream, Wine and the Comfort Zone
Wee Lucas is very smart. Did he “borrow” some of the clever things he said from a wee book?
Leanne Magraith | Forever Changes last blog post..Chocolate, Pizza, Ice Cream, Wine and the Comfort Zone
Hi Sean,
I don’t believe that Lucas is an elementary student. Is he gifted? I mean he hints as much in that reading but it just doesn’t ring true to what a Grade 7 student might say, at least it doesn’t for me.
Perhaps I’m being too judgmental here. He does seem self-centred and all about himself. It’s like he has to prove that he is special. Maybe that is exactly what a kid would say. It just sounds too well composed for a kid.
Chase Marchs last blog post..Should Santa Come to Dad’s?
Hi Sean,
I don’t believe that Lucas is an elementary student. Is he gifted? I mean he hints as much in that reading but it just doesn’t ring true to what a Grade 7 student might say, at least it doesn’t for me.
Perhaps I’m being too judgmental here. He does seem self-centred and all about himself. It’s like he has to prove that he is special. Maybe that is exactly what a kid would say. It just sounds too well composed for a kid.
Chase Marchs last blog post..Should Santa Come to Dad’s?
This is certainly a solid poem. I agree that is sounds like it is coming from an older mind, but assume that’s just because, as is stated, he is a smart kid.
So Lucas, great writing here! You did a good job.
Just keep in mind that when you’re gifted, you don’t have to shout it from the rooftops. The cool thing about knowing your smart is the fact that YOU know you’re smart. That’s all that matters. Your actions, accomplishments and insights will all attest to this fact as time goes on. So keep being smart; just know that humility is another great attribute that compliments intelligence wonderfully.
Great poem, none the less! :-) Eric.
Eric Hamms last blog post..Official ‘Sign In’ Post…
This is certainly a solid poem. I agree that is sounds like it is coming from an older mind, but assume that’s just because, as is stated, he is a smart kid.
So Lucas, great writing here! You did a good job.
Just keep in mind that when you’re gifted, you don’t have to shout it from the rooftops. The cool thing about knowing your smart is the fact that YOU know you’re smart. That’s all that matters. Your actions, accomplishments and insights will all attest to this fact as time goes on. So keep being smart; just know that humility is another great attribute that compliments intelligence wonderfully.
Great poem, none the less! :-) Eric.
Eric Hamms last blog post..Official ‘Sign In’ Post…
I certainly could not have written something like that when I was 10 years old. Of course, I can’t do write quite that eloquently now — and generally, I have to concentrate hard to read poetry. This was crystal clear for me — and resonated. I didn’t even realize it was poetry until I read it in a comment.
Great job!
Mike Goads last blog post..Eyes of the Great Depression 004
I certainly could not have written something like that when I was 10 years old. Of course, I can’t do write quite that eloquently now — and generally, I have to concentrate hard to read poetry. This was crystal clear for me — and resonated. I didn’t even realize it was poetry until I read it in a comment.
Great job!
Mike Goads last blog post..Eyes of the Great Depression 004
OOOOhhhh. Writer Dad/Luca, Luca/Writer Dad. I completely missed that. Great character as well! Eric.
Eric Hamms last blog post..The Color Of Passion | Community Insight
OOOOhhhh. Writer Dad/Luca, Luca/Writer Dad. I completely missed that. Great character as well! Eric.
Eric Hamms last blog post..The Color Of Passion | Community Insight
Kyddryn: “because we can be unique and equal, individual and yet a part of the great humanity.” You said that a lot more concisely than I did. I also love the skin cell/blood cell analogy. Very apt indeed. On a wholly unrelated note, when do you sleep?
Miguel: My pleasure, Miguel. Apologies for my lousy español. I’m getting better. I’ll be over later. I’m not sure what philospernotes is, but I trust that it’s cool.
Leanne: Each and every word. He’s also been mining my hard drive for future posts.
Chase: I apologize for the confusion. I placed a note at the end of the post. Lucas is a character, nothing more. I’ve written several like the one above. That one is not the first one written, but it is him explaining himself a bit. He is full of himself, but not self-centered at all. The entire point of the piece is that those who are capable need to use their ability to help others around them.
Eric: Kids, most often, do not know the adage about walking softly and carrying a big stick. A ten year old is more about bravado, which is precisely why it is fun to write with his voice.
Mike: Lucas and I both thank you, Mike. I am glad the message was clear.
Kyddryn: “because we can be unique and equal, individual and yet a part of the great humanity.” You said that a lot more concisely than I did. I also love the skin cell/blood cell analogy. Very apt indeed. On a wholly unrelated note, when do you sleep?
Miguel: My pleasure, Miguel. Apologies for my lousy español. I’m getting better. I’ll be over later. I’m not sure what philospernotes is, but I trust that it’s cool.
Leanne: Each and every word. He’s also been mining my hard drive for future posts.
Chase: I apologize for the confusion. I placed a note at the end of the post. Lucas is a character, nothing more. I’ve written several like the one above. That one is not the first one written, but it is him explaining himself a bit. He is full of himself, but not self-centered at all. The entire point of the piece is that those who are capable need to use their ability to help others around them.
Eric: Kids, most often, do not know the adage about walking softly and carrying a big stick. A ten year old is more about bravado, which is precisely why it is fun to write with his voice.
Mike: Lucas and I both thank you, Mike. I am glad the message was clear.
There’s such a challenge to the notion of equality. When we, as a culture, try to enable equality, we too often end up breaking it in some way. Offering grants and scholarships with limitations on race or gender is an attempt to give equality to minorities, but it then shuts out the majority.
I realize there are no perfect solutions, except perhaps to let everyone have the same chances and to stop trying to game the system in favor of one person or another. Unnecessary complexity creates the problem. Often, the simplest answer is the solution.
Nice poem, Lucas (WD ;). I hope to hear more of your thoughts in the future. You are erudite and possess a profundity beyond your years.
Ians last blog post..I Want To Do It With You
There’s such a challenge to the notion of equality. When we, as a culture, try to enable equality, we too often end up breaking it in some way. Offering grants and scholarships with limitations on race or gender is an attempt to give equality to minorities, but it then shuts out the majority.
I realize there are no perfect solutions, except perhaps to let everyone have the same chances and to stop trying to game the system in favor of one person or another. Unnecessary complexity creates the problem. Often, the simplest answer is the solution.
Nice poem, Lucas (WD ;). I hope to hear more of your thoughts in the future. You are erudite and possess a profundity beyond your years.
Ians last blog post..I Want To Do It With You
Writer Dad, I like the runaway rhymes here, but I do have a question about this line:
“Why don’t we let them celebrate? Let’s hear ‘em shout it loud. Let them tell the world what makes them stand out in a crowd.”
What about those of us who were taught that is bragging?
Beth Partins last blog post..Fridays at Restoration Nation: Invisible Hand
Writer Dad, I like the runaway rhymes here, but I do have a question about this line:
“Why don’t we let them celebrate? Let’s hear ‘em shout it loud. Let them tell the world what makes them stand out in a crowd.”
What about those of us who were taught that is bragging?
Beth Partins last blog post..Fridays at Restoration Nation: Invisible Hand
“Nothing is more unequal than equal treatment of unequal people.” This quote is often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, although I have my doubts. It is, however, true.
My students frequently cry that something is “unfair” if one student gets a benefit… or a drawback… that another student doesn’t. It’s true. Life is unfair. It’s unfair that we can’t all sing beautifully, paint beautiful landscapes, create amazing sculptures, or write as well as WriterDad… or see, or hear, or run… but the combination of talents of different people produces something so beautiful that only God could have come up with the idea for it. Maybe “unfairness” isn’t so bad, after all.
“Nothing is more unequal than equal treatment of unequal people.” This quote is often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, although I have my doubts. It is, however, true.
My students frequently cry that something is “unfair” if one student gets a benefit… or a drawback… that another student doesn’t. It’s true. Life is unfair. It’s unfair that we can’t all sing beautifully, paint beautiful landscapes, create amazing sculptures, or write as well as WriterDad… or see, or hear, or run… but the combination of talents of different people produces something so beautiful that only God could have come up with the idea for it. Maybe “unfairness” isn’t so bad, after all.
Aylad MacOdys: Exactly. Life is not fair. It never will be. It also isn’t meant to be a solitary act. Life is meant to be lived along with others. As you pointed out, the talents that we each have compliment one another so that this unfair life can go along a little more fairly for us.
Aylad MacOdys: Exactly. Life is not fair. It never will be. It also isn’t meant to be a solitary act. Life is meant to be lived along with others. As you pointed out, the talents that we each have compliment one another so that this unfair life can go along a little more fairly for us.
Ian: Well said, and cheerio. I decided last night that Lucas should be a semi-regular contributor to Writer Dad. I’ve totally stopped writing him because he doesn’t have an outlet, but I think it’s time to give him a voice. Great points. Both times.
Beth: That is an excellent point, Beth, but I would say this. There is a thin line between bragging and swagger. We should never brag, because such is a vacuous action. However, if we look through the leaders in history who took us from valley to summit, they have been those who have been willing to stand on the mountain top. Martin Luther King, JFK, on and on, these are individuals who shouted it loud and told the world what made them stand out in a crowd – there ideas. The following lines are pivotal to the message. “But there’s a cost to all the crowing, a piper they must pay. When they get that they are gifted, they should build a brighter day. It’s like when those who have large muscles help out those a little weak, or when those who have loud voices speak for those who cannot speak.” When you can do better, you MUST do better, and bring others with you.
Aylad: Exceedingly well stated. We must weave ourselves together to fabricated the most beauty.
Ian: Well said, and cheerio. I decided last night that Lucas should be a semi-regular contributor to Writer Dad. I’ve totally stopped writing him because he doesn’t have an outlet, but I think it’s time to give him a voice. Great points. Both times.
Beth: That is an excellent point, Beth, but I would say this. There is a thin line between bragging and swagger. We should never brag, because such is a vacuous action. However, if we look through the leaders in history who took us from valley to summit, they have been those who have been willing to stand on the mountain top. Martin Luther King, JFK, on and on, these are individuals who shouted it loud and told the world what made them stand out in a crowd – there ideas. The following lines are pivotal to the message. “But there’s a cost to all the crowing, a piper they must pay. When they get that they are gifted, they should build a brighter day. It’s like when those who have large muscles help out those a little weak, or when those who have loud voices speak for those who cannot speak.” When you can do better, you MUST do better, and bring others with you.
Aylad: Exceedingly well stated. We must weave ourselves together to fabricated the most beauty.
Wonderful rhymes today, Sean.
“If NONE of us are stronger, then how can we give assistance, to those of us who life’s seen fit to offer some resistance?”
I love that one. :)
Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Here’s Your Compliment, NOW TAKE IT!
Wonderful rhymes today, Sean.
“If NONE of us are stronger, then how can we give assistance, to those of us who life’s seen fit to offer some resistance?”
I love that one. :)
Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Here’s Your Compliment, NOW TAKE IT!
That’s lovely and thought provoking. Always nice to read a post that gets the brain wheels turning. And it’s a bit timely to I think. Nice job.
Jens last blog post..bloggish love
That’s lovely and thought provoking. Always nice to read a post that gets the brain wheels turning. And it’s a bit timely to I think. Nice job.
Jens last blog post..bloggish love
Beth: Sorry. I never finished my thought. I started a response, got distracted, then came back a half hour later with a wandering mind. My final point was to say that we as a people just elected a President who did say he was special and knew it from inside, and they weren’t the type of feelings that he should have to hide. He is promising to help out those a little weak, and give voice to those who cannot speak. It’s not bragging, it’s leadership.
Jamie: This poem is now about six months old. Every time I read it, I find something new that strikes me. Last night, it was this: “I can help all those who need it. Others can help me. Like the waist and foot together are reliant on the knee.” We’re all walking the world together, and we should never forget it.
Jen: Thanks. I’m glad it made you think. I think we will see Lucas again soon.
Beth: Sorry. I never finished my thought. I started a response, got distracted, then came back a half hour later with a wandering mind. My final point was to say that we as a people just elected a President who did say he was special and knew it from inside, and they weren’t the type of feelings that he should have to hide. He is promising to help out those a little weak, and give voice to those who cannot speak. It’s not bragging, it’s leadership.
Jamie: This poem is now about six months old. Every time I read it, I find something new that strikes me. Last night, it was this: “I can help all those who need it. Others can help me. Like the waist and foot together are reliant on the knee.” We’re all walking the world together, and we should never forget it.
Jen: Thanks. I’m glad it made you think. I think we will see Lucas again soon.
Sleep? What is this “sleep” of which you speak?
I have bouts of insomnia. The Internet is open twenty-four/seven. SO I cruise and comment and make a nuisance of my sleep deprived, Typo speaking self. Lucky, lucky Internet.
Even when I’m not insomniac, I’m too busy trying to write, teach the Evil Genius, cook, avoid housework, and read the eleventy-million blogs I want to keep up with to sleep.
Coffee, coffee, coffee, coffee, la, la, la, la, la….
Shade and Sweetwater,
K (who’d be nutsy-cuckoo even if she DID sleep)
Kyddryns last blog post..Four Meme
Sleep? What is this “sleep” of which you speak?
I have bouts of insomnia. The Internet is open twenty-four/seven. SO I cruise and comment and make a nuisance of my sleep deprived, Typo speaking self. Lucky, lucky Internet.
Even when I’m not insomniac, I’m too busy trying to write, teach the Evil Genius, cook, avoid housework, and read the eleventy-million blogs I want to keep up with to sleep.
Coffee, coffee, coffee, coffee, la, la, la, la, la….
Shade and Sweetwater,
K (who’d be nutsy-cuckoo even if she DID sleep)
Kyddryns last blog post..Four Meme
Sleep? What is this “sleep” of which you speak?
I have bouts of insomnia. The Internet is open twenty-four/seven. SO I cruise and comment and make a nuisance of my sleep deprived, Typo speaking self. Lucky, lucky Internet.
Even when I’m not insomniac, I’m too busy trying to write, teach the Evil Genius, cook, avoid housework, and read the eleventy-million blogs I want to keep up with to sleep.
Coffee, coffee, coffee, coffee, la, la, la, la, la….
Shade and Sweetwater,
K (who’d be nutsy-cuckoo even if she DID sleep)
Kyddryns last blog post..Four Meme
wow – that was really good. I can see why you have such a following.
Tonys last blog post..The Dance of Gypsies and Paupers
wow – that was really good. I can see why you have such a following.
Tonys last blog post..The Dance of Gypsies and Paupers
This is great WD – I’ve read it a few times and it gets better and better. There are two quotes in particular I’m going to be putting up beside my computer:
“It’s like when those who have large muscles help out those a little weak, or when those who have loud voices speak for those who cannot speak.”
“If the world is filled by those who can, and those who can’t as well, then those who can should KNOW they can, then HELP OTHERS to excel.”
I really appreciate the idea of caring by sharing and helping others by giving what you’ve already got. Good stuff! Thanks.
Laurie | Express Yourself to Successs last blog post..It’s Better to Give than to Receive
This is great WD – I’ve read it a few times and it gets better and better. There are two quotes in particular I’m going to be putting up beside my computer:
“It’s like when those who have large muscles help out those a little weak, or when those who have loud voices speak for those who cannot speak.”
“If the world is filled by those who can, and those who can’t as well, then those who can should KNOW they can, then HELP OTHERS to excel.”
I really appreciate the idea of caring by sharing and helping others by giving what you’ve already got. Good stuff! Thanks.
Laurie | Express Yourself to Successs last blog post..It’s Better to Give than to Receive
Very nice indeed. It remindes me of the rule of 3. If each person did something to help out 3 other people, then those people helped out another 3, etc. Imagine what a difference that would make.
Sals last blog post..An Epidemic of Child-like Proportions
Very nice indeed. It remindes me of the rule of 3. If each person did something to help out 3 other people, then those people helped out another 3, etc. Imagine what a difference that would make.
Sals last blog post..An Epidemic of Child-like Proportions
Writer Dad, I know Lucas Bright and I have taught many Lucas Bright’s in 20 years. Sometimes he was referred to as, “Oh you teach that kid?”
( so touching how people refer to our innocent and hold such high positions in our society). Lucas comes in all colors, shapes and sizes. He lives in all of us if we choose to exercise our muscles…all of them. Do you see the young lady or the old lady in the picture? I just see inspiration and pure genius. Work your mind! Write on WD! I promise I won’t plaster a Lucas quote on a stop sign.
Daisys last blog post..Don’t Rain On My Parade
Writer Dad, I know Lucas Bright and I have taught many Lucas Bright’s in 20 years. Sometimes he was referred to as, “Oh you teach that kid?”
( so touching how people refer to our innocent and hold such high positions in our society). Lucas comes in all colors, shapes and sizes. He lives in all of us if we choose to exercise our muscles…all of them. Do you see the young lady or the old lady in the picture? I just see inspiration and pure genius. Work your mind! Write on WD! I promise I won’t plaster a Lucas quote on a stop sign.
Daisys last blog post..Don’t Rain On My Parade
Writer Dad, I know Lucas Bright and I have taught many Lucas Bright’s in 20 years. Sometimes he was referred to as, “Oh you teach that kid?”
( so touching how people refer to our innocent and hold such high positions in our society). Lucas comes in all colors, shapes and sizes. He lives in all of us if we choose to exercise our muscles…all of them. Do you see the young lady or the old lady in the picture? I just see inspiration and pure genius. Work your mind! Write on WD! I promise I won’t plaster a Lucas quote on a stop sign.
Daisys last blog post..Don’t Rain On My Parade
Hi Sean,
I clicked on the link and realized that he was a character. I reread the peice after that and I still had a hard time believing in this character. I just wanted to give you some honest feedback. He just doesn’t seem “real” to me.
Chase Marchs last blog post..Should Santa Come to Dad’s?
Hi Sean,
I clicked on the link and realized that he was a character. I reread the peice after that and I still had a hard time believing in this character. I just wanted to give you some honest feedback. He just doesn’t seem “real” to me.
Chase Marchs last blog post..Should Santa Come to Dad’s?
Hi Sean,
I clicked on the link and realized that he was a character. I reread the peice after that and I still had a hard time believing in this character. I just wanted to give you some honest feedback. He just doesn’t seem “real” to me.
Chase Marchs last blog post..Should Santa Come to Dad’s?
“Life’s colors aren’t that black and white, they’re really rich and vivid. ”
This was my favorite part.
Also wanted to say that being gifted is great, but – just like other gifts such a great beauty or a special talent – does not guarantee success in life or even happiness so no need to get overly excited about it.
Vered – MomGrinds last blog post..I Love San Francisco. Do You Like Where YOU Live?
“Life’s colors aren’t that black and white, they’re really rich and vivid. ”
This was my favorite part.
Also wanted to say that being gifted is great, but – just like other gifts such a great beauty or a special talent – does not guarantee success in life or even happiness so no need to get overly excited about it.
Vered – MomGrinds last blog post..I Love San Francisco. Do You Like Where YOU Live?
“Life’s colors aren’t that black and white, they’re really rich and vivid. ”
This was my favorite part.
Also wanted to say that being gifted is great, but – just like other gifts such a great beauty or a special talent – does not guarantee success in life or even happiness so no need to get overly excited about it.
Vered – MomGrinds last blog post..I Love San Francisco. Do You Like Where YOU Live?