Image of the Week: Papa Sings Up the Story
© Durga Yael Bernhard
Happy Father's Day! To my readers who are fathers, grandfathers, uncles – or father figures to all the boys in this world who need one – you have my appreciation. Fathering isn't easy, but it sure is worth the effort.
Here's a painting of one of the greatest gifts any father, rich or poor, educated or not, can give his children: telling a story. For any child, listening to a good story in Daddy's lap is heaven.
The Papa shown here is an island man. He might be Jamaican, Puerto Rican, or Haitian. He's got rhythm in his voice, and half-sings, half-speaks his story. Island folklore has a taste of the ocean breeze in it. It unwinds slow-style, with the kind of repetition children like, moving along like a stream flowing toward the sea, past villages and houses, farmers and fisherman, turtles and snakes – then takes an unexpected turn, loops around – and ends with a satisfying curl. Swaying palms, rising moon . . . I could imagine a whole map of the story.
I have a lot of respect for people who can tell a good story. Listening to a story is a different experience than reading one. A story is alive, and children easily become immersed in the teller's voice. Children need to visualize things in their own minds – a skill that may be atrophying due to the excessive screen time that is endemic today, and getting worse. A good story sets the imagination wandering, and kindles the spirit of discovery.
Bravo to all dads who spend quality time with their children, sharing tales of their own childhoods, their mischief and surprises, their lessons learned. Bravo to all dads who use their brains and voice, not just technology, to entertain and teach. You make this world a better place – one child at a time.
As always, this image is available in my webstore as a greeting card or poster.
A good day and a good week to all!
D Yael Bernhard