Stealing the Show

Poetry reading at the 2nd Story Women's Centre--a wonderful way to enrich the winter. But most enriching of all was the delightful 9 month old who sat on the sidelines. He an another young child sat with their mom's on the floor--it was a sold-out performance––shared toys, food, shoes and happiness. My first joy was seeing how comfortable both children with each other and themselves. Once in awhile their enthusiasm drowned out the poet who would graciously acknowledge their presence, their importance and then go on reading. It felt such a rich community event––but it got even better! He began to venture out from his mom's lap and would crawl across toward the centre stage, latch onto a chair and hoist himself up where he voiced his pleasure at the poet and then plopped down to return to his mamma. This is when she brought out the never-leave-home-without-it book and began to turn pages. For awhile they cuddled together quietly sharing the book--but then it got really exciting! As she silently turned the pages he started to giggle. As each new page opened his giggles turned to full out squeals of laughter. I watched in amazement. As an early literacy advocate, watching the deepest, the most enthusiastic and boisterous joy I had ever seen expressed at a book, it made my heart sing. Later I spoke with his mom. She was as surprised as I was. "He's never done that before!" she said. My response? "Well--you are doing something very right!"