Ode to the Joyful Ones
That they walk, even stumble, among us is reason
to praise them, or protect them —even the sound
of a lead slug dropped on a lead plate, even that, for them,
is music. Because they bring laughter's
brief amnesia. Because they stand,
talking, taking pleasure in others,
with their hands on the shoulders of strangers
and the shoulders of each other.
Because you don't have to tell them to walk toward the light.
Because if there are two pork chops
they will serve you the better one.
Because they will give you the crutch off their backs.
Because when there are two of them together
their shining fills the room.
Because you don't have to tell them to walk toward the light.
Thomas Lux
Today is my Henry's last day of high school before finals next week, and I'm feeling overwhelmed with nostalgia. I read the poem this morning and thought it perfect to mark the day. Henry is one of the joyful ones and has been so since the day he was born. I've been sort of blocking the powerful emotions this milestone of moving to the next stage of his life brings, for obvious reasons. Today I'm going to praise him as one of the joyful ones. I hope that everyone out there who meets him will protect him.
