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Disappointing My Imagination

I've placed a dunce-hat on my imagination and sent him to the corner for writing a story instead asking for advice. There's a huge stack of books, and the one he's picked-up is on discipline. The choice is his to persuade or obey, but for some reason, this book has a hold on him.

I tell my imagination time-out is over, but he won't leave the corner.

"Wouldn't you like to go outside and play with your classmates?"

I announce that it's time for arts and crafts. He flips another page. I show him my finger painting.

"What do you think?"

"What is it?"

"It's an ocean! Don't you see? With a little smiling sun and the waves..."

"Style is perceived. Effectiveness is not."

"What the hell are you reading!?"

Five minutes before the bell rings, he closes the book and sits with his head in his hands. After all of the other children have left, he stands up, takes off the hat, and walks over to me.

My imagination smiles,

"I believe this is yours"