Little Stick

Taufik played in the playground today with Tristan and Shaye, They played wonderfully together, such sweet and considerate boys. Tristan (4 years old), Shaye (6 years old) are African Americans living at the Prestige Housing.

Shaye got himself a long long stick, that he had put together using a bit of water pipe. Naturally Taufik wanted one for himself too. When Shaye refused to let him play with his long one, Taufik turned to me sadly saying, "Mommy, he won't share with me." I said, "It's his stick darling. Go and find your own stick."

He looked and he looked through the bushes for a stick that would match in length and greatness to the one that Shaye was holding. I decided to help him out.

I caught sight of a tiny twig (whoever taught him bigger was better?), I handed it to Taufik, trying to keep my face straight and saying, "Look darling, heew is a lovely teeny stick for you."

He looked at me like was a durn bloody fool and said, "Mommy, it's small!!! I want a big one." "Why?" I asked, "Small is also good." He turned away, he wasn't going to waste him time debating the big stick and small stick issue. And me, I was howling with laughter!!!