the smallest ones

in the last month, i've been sketching portraits of
the kids in our enrichment program
during outside play-time.
it's a precious thing:
to look at them carefully, so close up,
for generous amounts of time--
their dear and rascally selves balancing on my ankles
with eyes gazing into mine.
i like to spend time really looking at these children,
beginning to see the things I wouldn't, otherwise,
and letting them know that they've been seen
(at least for the 5-10 minutes they can bear to sit still-ish).
sweet and smart sarah
inspires me all the way from her pre-school in lesotho;
she wrote three posts full of thoughtful descriptions
of the children she wrangles.
i am feeling moved to copy her--
knowing that my careful attention to these sparkly little beings
can only help me respond better to their needs.
it's like looking at art-- the more you look,
the better acquainted you become,
and the easier it is to love- or, at least, appreciate-
and someday understand.

{i'll try to do a few descriptions this week,
and will scan some of the drawings, too!}