Monday, October 4, 2010

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.

____________

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
255/365 M is for Motion by Angie JJD

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm going to go jump on the bed, really high. I'm practicing acrobatics :)Nice shot. Our boys love water rockets.

urban muser said...

great post tammy! if i have time this morning, maybe i'll stop and take a moment on those swings i walk by on my way to the subway every day :)

JLC said...

Oh, I miss Florida.

Jen said...

Oooh, cool motion shot. Now are you going to tell us how you did it?

Faith said...

My son would love to try that swing. Brings back memories of the old watering hole.

Jan said...

This makes me want to take the kids for a bike ride when they get home from school. I will have to do it!

Maria Ontiveros said...

Awesome photos (as usual) and a wonderful thought-provoking post. Clara plays through art and Henry through sports - both definitely revealing much about themselves. I'm looking forward to a playful week, after two weeks more jam-packed with work.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Rinda

mosey (kim) said...

A good reminder to make "play" part of our daily lives even now! Love your multiple exposure, and Angie's is a great accompaniment.

Kirstin said...

Oh how boys love to move; captured so well in both these glorious pics!

blue elephant photography said...

i love both shots and i even love the poem so much! i didn't get too many motion pics, i hope my camera will come back to me soon lol

April said...

Awesome, I love both shots!

Suki said...

I need to practice play more. Thank you for the reminder!

Farah said...

Love the picture and the poem...we all need a little more play time...life goes so fast

Anonymous said...

Oh ~ what a sweet reminder to play! Off to dance! Many smiles ~ Rebecca

Angie said...

I love this post! Honest and real. Thanks for including my little guy "playing" astronaut.

Maureen said...

what amazing photos, both of them. *sigh* i see i have my work cut out for me on this one.
♥ maureen

Anonymous said...

Love this post -- makes me want to go play in a sprinkler - fabulous picts!

Karen said...

It is too late for me to play tonight. Maybe I will go splash in the bathtb. :) Great photos.

Jolanda said...

Love the poem. Reading it I realised how much I have forgotten to feed my innerchild. Thanks for the reminder! (love the shots too).

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