the motion of play

Photographing our youngest son is my favorite activity. I click away as he is lost in an imaginary world and remember Plato's famous words... "You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation." I have discovered his intense love of all things outdoors, the sincerity of his smile, and the unguarded innocence of a person not yet self-conscious about being photographed.

The poem below is called "Just Playing." It was written by an unknown author and has been a favorite of mine for years. I hope you enjoy the sentiment and the featured photograph by Angie JJD. I love how she captured the constant movement and focus of a child at play.

When I’m building in the block room, please don’t say I’m “Just Playing.

For you see, I’m learning as I play about balances and shapes.

Who knows, I may be an architect some day.

When I’m getting all dressed up; setting the table, caring for the babies,

Don’t get the idea that I’m "Just Playing".

For, you see, I’m learning as I play; I may be a mother or father some day.

When you see me sitting in a chair, reading to an imaginary audience.

Please don’t laugh and think that I’m "Just Playing."

For, you see, I’m learning as I play; I may be a teacher someday.

When you see me combing the bushes for bugs,

Or packing my pockets with choice things I find; don’t pass it off as “Just Play.”

For, you see, I’m learning as I play; I may be a scientist someday.

When you see me engrossed in a puzzle or some “plaything” at my school,

Please don’t feel the time is wasted. For, you see, I’m learning as I play.

I’m learning to solve problems and concentrate. I may be in business some day.

When you see me cooking or tasting foods,

Please don’t think that because I enjoy it, it is “Just Play.”

I’m learning to follow directions and see differences. I may be a cook someday.

When you see me learning to skip, hop, run and move my body;

Please don’t say I’m “Just Playing.” For, you see, I’m learning as I play;

I’m learning how my body works. I may be a doctor, nurse or athlete someday.

When you asked me, what I’ve done at school today,

And I say “I just played”; please don’t misunderstand me.

For, you see, I’m learning as I play. I’m learning to enjoy and be successful in my work;

I’m preparing for tomorrow. Today, I am a child and my work is play.

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Take some time today to embrace your inner-child and spend some time playing.  Now tell me...what are you going to do?

stay sweet.
tammy lee of bliss and folly

255/365 M is for Motion by Angie JJD