By Shirley Bigelow DeKelver
White Lake, BC
“When you talk, you are only repeating
what you already know. But if you listen,
you may learn something new.”
by the Dalai Lama
EXCERPT FROM SHORT STORY
THE ART OF LISTENING
……“Whatever you’re thinking about, don’t you dare say anything to Miss Barnes, you’ll ruin the whole day for everyone.”
Cindy was well aware of the tense relationship between Annie and Miss Barnes. For that matter, everyone in Pine Hill School was aware.
“The whole day could get a lot worse if I stay quiet,” Annie answered.
Cindy slumped back on the mossy ground. She trusted Annie’s instincts, and hoped her friend would handle matters tactfully, and not in her usual brusque style.
“Excuse me Miss Barnes, how much farther do we have to go?” Annie asked, wiping her damp hair off her forehead.
“Honestly Annie,” Miss Barnes replied. “Why is it always you who complains first?”
Annie observed the faces of her classmates. Miss Barnes’ critical remark had sparked their attention.
“Well, that’s a first, usually you have so much to say,” Miss Barnes continued disparagingly.
Annie angrily curbed her frustration. “I do have something to say, it’s just that you never let me explain anything, you just immediately lose your temper.”
Someone gasped audibly, and Annie knew it was Cindy.
“That was very disrespectful,” Miss Barnes remarked indignantly. “If it wasn’t so close to the end of the term, I would report you to Mr. Fountain.”
For a moment there was silence, and all eyes were pivoted on the drama unfolding before them. None of the students would have had the courage to confront Miss Barnes, and their loyalties were divided, some of them thought Annie was a champion, others thought she was a troublemaker.
“I don’t care if you report me to Mr. Fountain, it won’t be the first time. But you need to listen to what I have to say.”
“Fine Annie, but do hurry, we must get moving.”
“Yes, we do, but not in the direction we are going. We’ve been walking in circles; we’ve passed this same cedar tree three times.”…..
Read the whole story→
The Art of Listening
Copyright © Shirley Bigelow DeKelver, 2020
I must not be the only one who got twisted around when walking out from a day’s hike! It is so true that it is when paying attention to our surroundings that we get the first glimpse that something is not quite right…. a deja vue moment that does not bring comfort!
I like that the teacher was able to show humility and rely on the expertise of her student!
Such a good read!
Monique