Yvonne Cabalona

Epiphany

New school year, second grade, Ms. Jue’s class:  I bring my favorite little Golden Book, Lady and the Tramp, for that morning’s show and tell. After our lessons begin, we are told we can play with those items if our work is finished and returned within a specific amount of time. Our heads bend eagerly toward the assignments in front of us, the classroom quiet except for the occasional scraping of chairs back and forth against the floor—sure signs of classmates seeking rewards after the conclusion of their tasks. Scribbling faster, I pause to watch an unfamiliar little boy walk along side of the display table, look over each prize, and then reach for my book. Indignant, I rush to him, snatch the treasure from his hands and vehemently declare ownership of it. His question and expression of hurt, however, humbles my possessiveness:  “But I thought you brought it to share?” Silent, I press the book back into his hands and return to my desk shame-faced.

at the chalkboard,
his small fingers sketching
a dog’s ears