Build Something!
Happy final October Wednesday, folks! Today, I’d like to ask you a simple, yet complex question: What have you built lately? Sure, that answer could be anything from a birdhouse to a PB & J sandwich, but I want you to dig deeper and think of something more meaningful (and that’s saying something, coming from a hangry guy like me, where a PB & J can be quite meaningful!).
I feel we are all meant to create, build, and inspire in order to help our fellow humans to get along in this life. You could fashion artistic masterpieces that get people wondering and dreaming. Maybe you’re working with an organization like Habitats for Humanity and building a better life for others in need, one structure at a time. Or, you might foster inspiration using any number of positive social platforms.
As for me, I create fictional literary works, using sentences, paragraphs, and chapters to build worlds for you to get lost in. There is one non-fiction story I wrote that I’d like to share with you now, in the form of free verse poetry. The experience below happened a few years ago, yet still fills me with pride, love, and hope to this day. Perhaps it will remind you of a similar experience you’ve had, and inspire you to reach out and help make this world a better place to exist in.
Brick by Brick
With excited grins and pictures taken, the big box is opened.
Six thousand pieces of plastic joy lie within.
“Holy crap, this is overwhelming,” she says. “I’m speechless.”
Childlike laughter spills from adult throats.
Hogwarts Castle, so big, yet so small. Intimidating, yet inviting. Expensive, yet priceless.
The fifty-something grandfather, seeking more connection, more meaning, more life.
His nineteen-year-old granddaughter, anxious, uncertain, searching.
Adventure awaits, more than they know.
“Can we start now?”
“Of course, that’s why we’re here, silly.”
Instruction books in hand, table space cleared, they begin.
The foundation is first, it must be strong, solid, steady.
Pages turned, each take their turn, lessons are learned.
Perspectives explored, angles studied, discoveries made.
Layer after meaningful layer, a bond is formed.
Hours go by, excitement ebbs, concentration wanes.
“Let’s call it a night.”
Smiles resume, wonder remains, a doorway opens.
Exuberant hugs, unhurried, genuine.
“When can we do this again?”
“Tuesday night?”
“Yes, Tuesday!”
“I love you.”
“And I love you, girlie. Drive safe.”
And so it goes, quinquagenarian and teen. Each teaching, each learning, each growing.
Structure takes shape, goes vertical, gets real.
“OMG! Do you know what this is? It’s the Fucking Great Hall!”
“Language, dear girl.”
“Sorry. It’s fucking great, though, right?”
Laughter, understanding, joy, pride, wonder.
Each corner reveals a new secret.
Each week reveals more magic.
Dinner with Nanni, treasured moments, all three sharing, caring, laughing.
Dishes cleared, thanks given, the pair resumes their journey.
Tedious repetition is interlaced with moments of uniqueness.
“The stained glass is so cool!”
Each stands back, inspects this bit of handiwork.
Quality build, quality time, satisfied nods.
Strong, weathered hands, tired eyes, reading glasses.
Young, agile fingers, sharp vision, age jokes fly.
“I really enjoy spending time with you.”
“And I love getting together with you, too, my girl.”
“Are you sure?”
“Of course. This is awesome. You’re awesome.”
An accepting smirk, back to work. “Where does this piece go?”
A Saturday session!
Fresh minds, free schedules, solid build time.
Rocky outcroppings, stately courtyards, arches, spires, and steeples.
Shifting staircases, serpents, potions, pews, and specters.
Incredible progress in all ways.
Familiarity breeds comfort.
Open minds foster freedom, instill confidence.
Dad jokes, dirty jokes, all acceptable, all funny.
“Alexa, tell me a joke.”
“Alexa, sing me a song.”
“Alexa, stop.”
Sessions brief, sessions long, love and respect grow strong.
From warm autumn days, through chilly harvest moon nights.
While brash October colors fade into November’s chilly embrace.
Steadily they build upon that strong foundation.
While castle walls go up, other walls come down.
Understanding grows, appreciation grows, each heart grows.
“I can’t believe this is the last night.”
“Yeah, it’s bittersweet.”
“I made brownies. And there’s ice cream.”
“Yes, please!”
Four bags of bricks left, then three, and two.
Last bag.
“It’s so cool how it all fits together perfectly.”
She sits, gazes, reflects.
He watches, transfixed, transformed.
Stations have been challenged, emotions swirl.
Boy shadows man, woman meets girl.
“We did it. I love it. I just love it.”
With satisfied grins and pictures taken, the big box is closed.
“I love you both so much. Thank you again. This was such a big gift.”
“You’re a big gift. Thanks for spending time with us.”
More hugs, neither letting go, so much said in the silence.
Eventually they part.
“Now what?”
“I saw this piano set on Amazon…”
This music of bricks plays on.
“Alexa, play Lego music.”
I’m sorry, I don’t know that one.
That’s okay, we do.
Thanks for taking the time to share a piece of my world, everyone. I hope it gives you pause and motivates you to find your own building adventure. I’d love to read about your transformative experiences, so please leave them in the comments, or email me if that’s more comfortable for you.
Until November, whatever you are, build upon that and be a good one!
-Dave
