I count it a privilege to teach the youngest students on campus, for it affords me ample opportunity to see the world through the eyes of a small child, to contemplate a time when every day reveals something new.

I take them outside to play on the playground, to peruse the garden, to feed the goats and chickens, to climb trees in Bragdon Wood. I observe them navigate the natural world, try new things, test their strength. I hear them exclaim, “Look at me! Look how high I am! I did it!” and even, “You can do it!”

I tell the children fairy stories of knights and dragons, princesses and giants, talking beasts and magic, and of heroes and saints. I give them time to play and create their own imaginary worlds inside and outside. And I delight in their delight. Five days a week I dwell in a world of wonder and am reminded of Christ’s admonition, “Let the little children come to me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Prior to this instruction, Jesus had informed his disciples that unless they become as little children they “will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”

O Lord, I pray that I, that we all may come to you with a child-like faith, with open hands and heart and mind, full of trust and adoration.

2025 is a remarkable year for me, so in the spirit of a small child I played with a form of poetry in which I boast no skill. I am an infant poet barely capable of speech, so forgive my frolic and fancy.

Haikus of Jubilation

January

Twenty twenty-five
Is my year of Jubilee
Snow…in the city

 

February

Twenty twenty-five
Is my year of Jubilee
What! Half a century?

 

March

Twenty twenty-five
Is my year of Jubilee
Shorten…our commute

 

April

Twenty twenty-five
Is my year of Jubilee
Restful…Bright Monday

 

May

Twenty twenty-five
Is my year of Jubilee
Baby bird -will fledge

 

June

Twenty twenty-five
Is my year of Jubilee
Daughter -great with child

 

July

Twenty twenty-five
Is my year of Jubilee
Son -becomes a groom

 

August

Twenty twenty-five
Is my year of Jubilee
Welcome! PreK3

 

September

Twenty twenty-five
Is my year of Jubilee
Mother-laid to rest

 

October

Twenty twenty-five
Is my year of Jubilee
Second Honeymoon?

 

November

Twenty twenty-five
Is my year of Jubilee
Enlarged family

 

December

Twenty twenty-five
Is my year of Jubilee
Baby’s -first Christmas