Shawn L. Bird

She was young,

but she had a dream

to cut herself free

from the stigma of family

substance abuse,

poverty, and

hopelessness,

if only someone would give her scissors

and show her how to use them.

A teacher said,

“You can do it!”

So she applied for a training course,

wondering how she’d pay for the tool kit

or pay for the rent to live in another town.

“We’ll write letters!” said the teacher.

“It’ll work out!”

Community groups responded to her letters

and her impressive resume of volunteer activities

with cheques in hand. 

“You’ve helped this community.

We want to help you achieve this dream.”

The billet said, “Would you work off

your room and board in chores?”

And suddenly the impossible

was happening.

Shining new scissors sliced her past away

and cut open hope

for her future.

.

.

.

True story.  Apprenticeship programs offer kids real skills and credits for professional training and high school credit.  Some times there are barriers for kids to take advantage of the opportunity, but where there is a will, there is a way.  The school is there to help kids achieve their dreams, after all.  Thanks to the service clubs who make a difference, quietly meeting needs in their communities: Lions,  Rotary, Royal Canadian Legion, Elks, Kinsmen, Oddfellows, and the like.  Today is a particularly good day in my world.