from trevor’s encyclopedia of beautiful, ingenious, wonderful, courageous things

A student from Honduras in my classroom drew and colored a picture of a whale for me.

Beautiful.

The picture.

The student.

It is humbling to me that this kid listened to my life, heard that I love whales, thought, “I’m going to create a picture of a whale in the ocean for Mr. Barton,” and spent the time and the effort it takes to make such a beautiful piece of art.

A blue whale’s heart is the size of a Volkswagen.

So is this kid’s heart.

Now, as the day comes to an end, and the sun sets on the horizon, and a hummingbird feeds outside the window by my writing table, I remember this Latinx child.

I remember all of the Latinx children in my little elementary school on the West side of Greenville.

I remember all of the Latinx children in South Carolina.

I remember all of the Latinx children in detention centers (aka prisons) along the U.S. and Mexico border.

I remember all of the Latinx children in the world.

I listen to their lives.

I hear who they are and what they love.

Are you listening?

Do you hear?

Will you help me create something beautiful for them?

¡Gracias!