repeat after me

He laughed for at least five full minutes.
had to leave the classroom to try to catch his breath
.. . and then started up again when he got back.

all because i had him repeat after me "big to small or small to big?"
.we were converting measurements.
afterschool practice work.
whatever it was that led to the perpetual giggles.
belly elementary school laughing.
the kind that you can't stop no matter what.

i was transported elsewhere.
away from anything else.
and for a glimmer. a mere glimmer.
i felt not a single weight or real worry.
and remembered what that was like.

a fresh breath.
and then it was gone.



.the favorite part of my day