For several years, I have participated a a judge for the annual oratorical contest sponsored by the Richmond Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta.
The talent of the bright-eyed students always brings a smile to my face and a bounce to my step. This morning, they reminded a sleepy-eyed me that the ability to use words to move others is a gift.
Faced with two deadlines less than two weeks away, I dreaded the thought of needing to write thousands of words this weekend. Summoning creative energy is exhausting, as writers everywhere know.
The boys and girls demonstrated exuberance, creativity and the power of words. They sent words flying, dragging and screaming across our imaginations. Competitors as young as kindergarten wailed pain, shouted confidence, sang hope, whispered power and slurred sassily. Each spoke truth.
At times I wept with others in the packed audience, moved by the emotional honesty and muscular rawness of young oratorical displays. The competitors stood before us, polished and poised, exuding effort on cold wet morning when bed and TV wanted their company.
Dimpled-smiles, lifted chins, eyes dancing with enthusiasm, they performed in all their diverse glory and gave us words wrapped with a bodacious bow.
They made me remember.
I went to judge and found myself the student.
This weekend, I will write thousands of words while smiling, chin lifted and eyes dancing with enthusiasm.
Young teachers, a belated thank you.
