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Mary Leonard is a poet, humorist, teacher and journalist.
A longtime Associate of the Institute for Writing and Thinking at Bard College, she has
published widely and has taught in diverse settings ranging from high school classrooms
to faculty seminars to intimate writing-as meditation workshops.
She's available for workshops for teachers, adolescents, seniors and is interested in journalism assignments. And if you have a book to ghost write, Mary can help! |
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The Sweet and Low Down
Small gestures matter, and I’m not talking about flipping someone the bird. I got a note from the principal. See I can spell that because some teacher taught me the mnemonic, the principal is my pal, and he is. He thanked me in writing for my work with the teachers. I came home and cleaned my house lickety split. I was high on a small gesture. I feel this way in the Midwest. Last time I visited I was wandering in the produce section of Hinky Dinky or was it Piggly Wiggly—so corny out there. And the clerk yelled, Hi, how are you. I stepped back in a panic, thought I was caught squeezing the melons. But he was sincere. Day two in that market, I knew the checkout girl’s name and we exchanged some news of the day. I know this will sound like some Feel-Good New-Age advice, but why not smile at a stranger? I did try that in the supermarket, here in NYC, but the woman did not smile back, did not say hello to my hello. Oh well. I did not take it personally. That’s the other thing that matters, don’t take it personally. No one is out to get you or me. It’s a matter of being in the path of hurricanes, earthquakes, the robber, the suicide bomber, the terrorist. I have myself panicked now. My shoulders are up around my ears. I am worried, not angry, but in need of one small gesture. Thanks, I would love a cup of coffee, yes, with one sweet and low. |
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